Hummingbirds are interesting creatures and have many unique qualities. Some of these qualities are physical features, others are quirky behaviors. I bet you know a few of these, but others may surprise you. I once saw a National Geographic television special on hummingbirds that said that there are over species of hummingbirds! I was shocked. The Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. The Female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Surprisingly, hummingbirds are only found in the Western Hemisphere, with almost half the species living around the equator.
About five percent of hummingbird species live primarily north of Mexico, and only about two dozen species visit the U.
A few species remain year-round in the U. Hummingbirds have a very high metabolism and must eat all day long just to survive. They consume about half their body weight in bugs and nectar, feeding every minutes and visiting 1,, flowers throughout the day. In addition to nectar from flowers and feeders, these birds eat small insects, beetles, ants, aphids, gnats, mosquitoes, and wasp.
So, hummingbirds are great to have in your backyard! Hummingbirds are the smallest of all bird species. The bee hummingbird of Cuba weighs only 1. It would be logical that if hummingbirds are the smallest birds, they would also have the tiniest eggs of any bird. And they love to make their homes in gardens because they are secluded and quiet. So please make sure to check branches before you do your spring cleaning in your yard.
Interestingly, only female hummingbirds build nests and will lay only two eggs. The male hummingbird is not involved in raising young, and will often find another mate after the young are hatched. After hatching, baby hummingbirds will stay in the nest for approximately three weeks. One thing that surprised me about hummingbirds is that they migrate. In fact, some travel over 2, miles twice a year.
They winter in Central America or Mexico and migrate north to their breeding grounds in the U. Hummingbirds will typically gain percent of their body weight before they start migration in order to make their trip. Hummingbirds fly by day when sources of nectar are the most abundant. They also fly low, which allows the birds to see, and stop at, food supplies along the way.
Hummingbird sounds are often chattering sounds. Scientists often describe these sounds as call notes. We now know that some hummingbird sounds originate from their tail feathers. The average hummingbird weighs only about 3 grams less than a nickel by comparison.
Hummingabird migration - This is probably the most sought after of the hummingbird facts. Most hummingbird species cannot tolerate cold. Early and late frosts can take a toll on these little birds. That is not to say you will never see a hummingbird in winter. Scientists are beginning to notice the overwintering Rufous in some parts of North America. The Rufous hummingbird has the longest migration, flying as much as 3, miles from Alaska to Mexico.
The Ruby-Throated hummingbird also has a long migration route which includes the incredible task of flying miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico! Hummingbird mating involves incredible diving rituals. A male will mate with more than one female. The female chooses whether to accept the males. She usually bases this decision on whether or not the male has acquired a suitable territory for the sustenance of her offspring.
In the early Spring, before the females arrive, the males will fight over a territory and feeders to claim as his own. This is a sparring match which can last for hours until one has little energy left and surrenders.
I had the fortune of capturing this ritual of two hummingbirds fighting at one of our feeders on video. The hummingbird nest are built by the female alone. They are a wonderful piece of architecture that is not only tiny but also flexible. They expand to accommodate the eggs and then later reduce in size once the fledglings have left. Would you like to learn how to find a hummingbird nest to witness the amazing birth and first days of a hummingbird's life?
Hummingbird eggs are the smallest in the world. The baby hummingbird usually hatches within a few weeks depending on species and weather. The hummingbird species has the renowned honor of including the Bee Hummingbird of Cuba, the smallest bird in the world.
The gorgeous plumage is well admired. The male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird was named because of the iridescent feathers on its neck which reflect sunlight at different angles. In spite of the jewel like colors of hummingbirds, their visual beauty is an optical illusion. The feather pigments are black, brown and reddish brown. White hummingbirds Albino hummingbirds and semi-white Leucistic hummingbirds do exist lacking all or nearly all pigment in their feathers.
Hummingbirds are among the smallest of all birds, with most species measuring in the 3"-5" range. They have long slender needlelike bills adapted for reaching deep into tubular flowers. But many hummingbirds look alike, and sometimes juveniles and females are really difficult to differentiate. Our website includes side-by-side comparison charts of several common species that feature similar markings and coloration. And we love watching all bird life! While this website is oriented to hummingbirds, we have a section on other backyard birds and a special report on our recent trip to the National Aviary of Columbia.
Thanks for visiting, and please join us as we enjoy another hummingbird season in ! Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere, with half the species living in the "equatorial belt" between 10 degrees north and south of the equator. Over species and genera exist, mostly south of the U. Fewer than two dozen species venture into the U. Learn about the species ». Many hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico, and migrate north to their breeding grounds in the southern U.
The first arrivals in spring are usually males. Some, however, do not migrate, in areas like California and the upper Pacific coast. All about migration ». Hummingbirds, like other birds and other animals, need food, water, and shelter, the basic necessities of life. Favorite flowers of hummingbirds are often red in color, and tubular in shape, so we include many plants with these features.
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