25 best hummingbird tattoo ideas and what they symbolize

25 best hummingbird tattoo ideas and what they symbolize

Hummingbirds are the smallest species of birds in the world. Due to their small size, hummingbirds have to fight to survive. Many people can relate to this, which is why hummingbird tattoos are frequently associated with those who have overcome adversity and are clinging to life. These are the best hummingbird tattoo ideas and their meanings for your next ink.

Variations of hummingbird tattoo: Hummingbird and lotus flower (L), colourful hummingbird (C) Hummingbird and lavender flower (R).
Hummingbird and lotus flower (L), colourful hummingbird (C), Hummingbird and lavender flower (R). Photo: @robtattooartist, @iamchristattoo, @veroni.ink on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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Hummingbird tattoos are popular today because of their vibrant and delicate features. They embody a spectrum of attributes and aesthetic versatility. They offer a visually stunning and profoundly symbolic way to adorn your body with a piece of art that goes beyond the surface.

Hummingbird tattoo ideas and what they symbolise

Hummingbird tattoos are gorgeous. With more than 330 species, choosing one that matches your personality and has your favourite colours is simple. Here is a list of 25 hummingbird tattoos you can choose to fit your personality

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Hummingbird tattoos for females

Hummingbird tattoos are eye-catching and versatile. These gorgeous patterns for women may inspire you to wear your next tattoo.

1. Realistic hummingbird tattoo

Realistic hummingbird tattoo
Realistic hummingbird tattoos showcase the love for nature and beauty. Photo: @potwory_i_sztuka (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

The hummingbird's fragile structure allows realistic hummingbird tattoos to seem light despite the need for extensive shading. This ink is excellent, especially on the bicep, where it symbolises love for nature and beauty. Request your tattoo artist to employ gradient shading to give the design more depth.

2. Two hummingbirds tattoo

Two hummingbirds tattoo
Two hummingbirds tattoo designs represent unity and strength. Photo: @hansantattoo, @abii_tattoo on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

This design can be done with a light and shimmering watercolour texture or plain colours. Closer birds may signify respect or closeness. This design symbolises unity and strength.

3. Hummingbird with stars

Hummingbird with stars
Hummingbird with stars art symbolises guidance through life's journey. Photo: @cachotattoo (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Stars are often associated with navigation and guidance. When paired with a hummingbird, known for its agility and precision in flight, the tattoo may symbolise guidance through life's journey, encouraging the wearer to navigate challenges gracefully.

4. Brightly coloured hummingbird tattoo

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Brightly coloured hummingbird tattoo
It symbolises the joy and vitality of life. Photo: @billsmiles, @charliesullivantattoo on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This body art is a realistic portrayal of a hummingbird in vibrant colours, symbolising the joy and vitality of life. It radiates tranquillity and independence.

5. Hummingbird tattoo with dancing wings

Hummingbird tattoo with dancing wings
A hummingbird tattoo with dancing wings represents rejoicing amid life experiences. Photo: @gtrob (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

This ink looks subtle but unique. The design looks beautiful, but you can pair it with your favourite quote, flower, or initials. It symbolises rejoicing amid life experiences.

6. Minimalistic outline

Minimalist outline
Minimalist outline tattoo symbolises simplicity, freedom, and lightness. Photo: @inkhousetattooshoppe (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

The minimalistic outline art is a small hummingbird tattoo with a simple outline of a hummingbird that can symbolise simplicity, freedom, and lightness. It could also represent clarity and elegance.

7. Black and white hummingbird tattoos

Black and white hummingbird tattoo
Black and white hummingbird tattoos represent the death of a loved one. Photo: @thirdseasontattoo, @vibetattoo.ut on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Choose this pattern if you're looking for a straightforward hummingbird ink. There is no deadly meaning behind the design. However, it's primarily used to symbolise the death of a loved one.

8. Watercolour hummingbird tattoos

Watercolour hummingbird tattoo
The watercolour hummingbird tattoo represents life's delicate and fleeting nature. Photo: @aminsultanhajiani, @tattoopandora on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Watercolour techniques give a soft and artistic touch, representing life's delicate and fleeting nature. The hummingbird's peaceful nature and the watercolour's fluidity combine to create a sense of transience and appreciation of the present moment.

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9. Hummingbird and butterfly tattoos

Hummingbird and butterfly tattoo
The design symbolises happiness, luck, and optimism. Photo: @steveokills, @inked.by_kloey on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

A hummingbird and butterfly tattoo is a striking design symbolising happiness, luck, and optimism. The butterfly symbolises transition, femininity, and beauty, often chosen by triumphant individuals or those wishing for good things in the future.

10. Hummingbird tattoo and a heart

Hummingbird tattoo and a heart
The hummingbird tattoo and the heart represent passion and love. Photo: @geem_tattoo (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Heart tattoos, with styles like hummingbirds, symbolise passion and love. It is a powerful representation of emotional connection and affection.

Hummingbird tattoo with flowers

The beauty of flowers transcends seasons, making them one of the most captivating tattoo choices. Below are several hummingbird designs with flowers you can choose from.

1. Hummingbird rose flower tattoos

Hummingbird rose flower tattoo
The hummingbird rose flower tattoo represents love and romance. Photo: @anthonyinkco, @melissa_daye on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Rose tattoos represent love and romance. Hummingbirds are believed to bring love and attraction in many cultures, so combining the two means attracting romance into your life.

2. Sunflower hummingbird tattoos

Sunflower hummingbird tattoo
The sunflower hummingbird tattoo symbolises a commitment to cultivating joy and maintaining a positive outlook in life. Photo: @boom.parker, @geem_tattoo on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Sunflowers are often associated with happiness and warmth. This body art may represent a commitment to cultivating joy and maintaining a positive outlook in life.

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3. Hummingbird lily tattoos

Hummingbird lily tattoo
The hummingbird lily tattoo represents strength, rebirth, and purity. Photo: @geem_tattoo, @j.kingtattoos on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Lilies symbolise strength, rebirth, and purity and may signify a departure from religious beliefs. This body art looks neat and gorgeous at the same time.

4. Hummingbird and lotus flower designs

Hummingbird and a lotus flower design
The hummingbird and lotus flower design symbolise purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. Photo: @abii_tattoo on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This pattern represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. It stands for the capacity to overcome hardship and feel renewed and invigorated.

5. Hummingbird hibiscus tattoo

Hummingbird hibiscus tattoo
Hummingbird hibiscus tattoo symbolises fresh starts and the fleeting nature of existence. Photo: @aprilshowerstattoo, @blindsquatch on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The hibiscus, often associated with summer and vacation, has distinct meanings depending on its colour. This artwork represents fresh starts and the fleeting nature of existence.

6. Hummingbird and lavender tattoos

Hummingbird and lavender tattoo
The hummingbird and lavender tattoo symbolises peace and elegance. Photo: @prawnesthertattoo, @kraken.queen_tattoo on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Lavender, associated with peace and elegance, is a perfect match for a hummingbird tattoo design. The art features a hummingbird hovering above lavender flowers or consuming nectar, creating a delicate, subtle appearance.

7. Hummingbird and cherry blossom tattoos

Hummingbird and cherry blossom tattoo
It represents elegance, beauty, and femininity. Photo: @ania_ray, @greckhardyink on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The hummingbird with Cherry blossoms tattoo represents elegance, beauty, and femininity. Cherry blossoms symbolise the transient essence of life, love, joy, and vigour.

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Hummingbird tattoos for men

Hummingbird tattoos are popular among people of diverse cultures and beliefs. Below are some trendy tattoos for men with meaning.

1. Aztec-style hummingbird tattoo

Aztec-style hummingbird tattoo
Aztec-style hummingbird tattoos symbolise a spiritual connection as an intermediary between the earthly and divine realms. Photo: @obet_tattoos (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

This body art draws inspiration from the cultural and artistic heritage of the Aztec civilization. In Aztec mythology, hummingbirds were considered messengers of the gods. This tattoo may symbolise a spiritual connection as an intermediary between the earthly and divine realms.

2. Infinity hummingbird tattoo

Infinity hummingbird tattoo
The infinity hummingbird tattoo represents eternity and unending love. Photo: @alex_tatts_31 (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The infinity tattoo sign, resembling the number eight, symbolises eternity and unending love. It is an excellent body art, and pairing it with an infinite hummingbird tattoo can deepen its significance. Use black ink and keep the tattoo small for visual appeal.

3. Flock of hummingbirds tattoo

Flock of hummingbirds tattoo
The flock of hummingbirds tattoo symbolises the start, middle, and end of life. Photo: @robertbarkerart (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

This is one of the most widespread hummingbird tattoos for guys. The entire flock can be the same size or a mix of large and small birds. They are most commonly inked in black and white but can also be inked in various colours. They represent the start, middle, and end of life.

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4. Tribal hummingbird tattoos

Tribal hummingbird tattoo
Tribal hummingbird tattoos symbolise respect for culture and nature. Photo: @ceremonial.tattoo, @inkedby_phong on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

The tribal hummingbird tattoo design, featuring intricate tribal art patterns and bold lines, is popular among those who appreciate the beauty of these delicate birds. Available in bright colours or black ink, it demonstrates respect for culture and nature.

5. Hummingbird with an anchor

Hummingbird with an anchor design
A hummingbird with an anchor design represents stability and resilience in facing life's challenges. Photo: @christianbiede (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Combining a hummingbird with an anchor can represent stability and resilience in facing life's challenges. The anchor can represent grounding while allowing oneself to soar, symbolising a balance between strength and freedom.

6. Hummingbird and clock

Hummingbird and clock tattoo
The hummingbird and clock tattoo represent the preciousness of time and the fleeting nature of life. Photo: @modoink_calvin (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

The hummingbird and clock design can symbolise the preciousness of time and the fleeting nature of life. It is also a reminder to cherish each moment.

7. Dreamcatcher with hummingbird tattoos

Hummingbirds are often considered symbols of spiritual guidance, while dreamcatchers are traditionally believed to filter out negative dreams and provide protection. Combining the two can represent a spiritual journey with the guidance and protection needed to navigate challenges.

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8. Hummingbird and compass

Hummingbird and compass tattoo
The hummingbird and compass symbolise guidance and direction. Photo: @sparrowtattoony (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

This body art represents guidance and direction, a combination that can signify the importance of finding one's path in life. It also symbolises a desire for exploration, adventure, and a global perspective on life.

What does a hummingbird tattoo symbolise?

Hummingbird tattoos symbolises perseverance, love, commitment, beauty, and happiness. Different cultures have different interpretations, including being a lucky charm or a sign of bravery and strength.

Where is the best place to tattoo a hummingbird?

The shoulder is the most common place to have a hummingbird tattoo. This area is ideal for designs that use several elements, like flowers or butterflies, because it can accommodate large tattoos.

Hummingbird inks have been popular for many generations due to the beautiful design and deep significance associated with these little, swift-moving birds. By choosing a hummingbird tattoo, you embrace a timeless symbol of beauty, happiness, love, healing, and freedom. 

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Legit.ng recently published an article on foot tattoos. Foot tattoos for men and women have become trendy, although fewer people are convinced to get one. If you're looking for a painless operation, leg tattoos are not for you. It is because the area beneath the foot's surface has less muscle or flesh and more discomfort. 

Foot tattoos are always stunning, sophisticated, and captivating. They include floral motifs and elaborate designs. The pain of foot tattoos depends on their complexity, texture, and level of pain tolerance.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Isaac Wangethi avatar

Isaac Wangethi (Lifestyle writer) Isaac Wangethi has been a content writer at Legit since September 2021. He has gained valuable experience working on various projects, such as celebrity biographies, lifestyle, news and many more. Isaac won the Writer of the Year Award on Legit in 2023. He earned a Bsc. of Science in Information Technology in 2017 from the University of Nairobi and a Higher Diploma in Computer Software Engineering from Gretsa University in 2021. In 2023, Isaac finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. In March 2024, he completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: Wangethin@gmail.com

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