What Is the Hummingbird Story?
The hummingbird story is a parable that Wangari Maathai often told to inspire environmental action. Based on a traditional tale from the Quechua people of South America, it describes a tiny hummingbird that refused to give up during a forest fire. While other animals fled in terror, the hummingbird flew back and forth, carrying small drops of water in its beak to fight the flames. This simple story became Maathai's most powerful symbol for individual responsibility and collective action.
The Parable
- As told by Wangari Maathai"One day a terrible fire broke out in a forest - a huge woodlands was suddenly engulfed by a raging wild fire. Frightened, all the animals fled their homes and ran out of the forest.
As they came to the edge of a stream they stopped to watch the fire and they were feeling very discouraged and powerless. They were all bemoaning the destruction of their homes.
Every one of them thought there was nothing they could do about the fire, except for one little hummingbird.
This particular hummingbird decided it would do something. It swooped into the stream and picked up a few drops of water and went into the forest and put them on the fire. Then it went back to the stream and did it again, and it kept going back, again and again and again.
All the other animals watched in disbelief; some tried to discourage the hummingbird with comments like, 'Don't bother, it is too much, you are too little, your wings will burn, your beak is too tiny, it's only a drop, you can't put out this fire.'
And as the animals stood around disparaging the little bird's efforts, the hummingbird noticed how hopeless and forlorn they looked.
Then one of the animals shouted out and challenged the hummingbird in a mocking voice, 'What do you think you are doing?'
And the hummingbird, without wasting time or losing a beat, looked back and said:
'I am doing the best I can.'
What Does "I Will Be a Hummingbird" Mean?
"I will be a hummingbird" became Wangari Maathai's rallying cry and personal philosophy. It means refusing to be paralyzed by the enormity of global challenges like climate change, deforestation, or environmental degradation. Instead of asking "What difference can I possibly make?", the hummingbird mindset asks "What can I do right now?"
Individual Action Matters
Every small action counts. Just as the hummingbird carried single drops of water, our individual choices - planting a tree, reducing waste, speaking up for the environment - accumulate into meaningful change.
Lead by Example
When you act, others notice. The hummingbird's persistence might inspire the other animals to join. Similarly, your actions can inspire your community, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Reject Hopelessness
Cynicism and despair are luxuries we cannot afford. The hummingbird didn't waste time calculating odds or listening to naysayers. It simply acted. This is the spirit that planted 51 million trees.
Do the Best You Can
You don't have to save the world single-handedly. You only have to do what you can, with what you have, where you are. That's enough. That's everything.
Why Did Wangari Maathai Tell This Story?
Wangari Maathai discovered this parable from the Quechua people of South America and immediately saw its power. Throughout her life, she faced seemingly impossible odds - from government opposition to being jailed and beaten for her environmental activism. But she never gave up.
"I don't really know why I care so much. I just have something inside me that tells me that there is a problem, and I have got to do something about it. I think that is what I would call the 'hummingbird spirit'."
- Wangari Maathai
When she founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, Maathai started with just seven trees planted in her backyard. Critics said it was pointless. But like the hummingbird, she persisted. Those seven trees grew into a movement that has planted over 51 million trees across Kenya and inspired environmental programs in over 30 countries.
The story appeared in her documentary appearances, including the acclaimed film "Dirt! The Movie" (2009), where she shared it with millions of viewers worldwide. It has since become one of the most shared environmental parables in history.
Will You Be a Hummingbird?
The forest fires of our time - climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss - may seem overwhelming. But remember: the Green Belt Movement started with one woman and seven trees.
What will your drops of water be?