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Hummingbirds eat both plant and animal material. Insects and small spiders have protein and fat. That helps hummers grow and stay healthy. A hummer picks these creatures off plants and other surfaces (called gleaning). OR, it sits on a branch, eyes peeled. When it sees lunch, it zooms off with its mouth open wide and catches an insect in mid-air! This behavior is called hawking. (Can you guess why?) Is this female Rubythroat looking for a spider to eat or gathering nest materials? Photo: Bob Moul >   This Season Teachers Kids Orientation Registration Search Copyright 1997-2008 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Questions or comments? Contact us.