Facts About Hummingbirds

Why is it that facts about hummingbirds inspire us to wonder?

• Small size - The hummingbird species has the renown honor of including the "Bee Hummingbird" of Cuba, the smallest bird in the world.

• Gorgeous plumage - The male "Ruby-Throated Hummingbird" was named because of the iridescent feathers on it's neck which reflect sunlight and gives the appearance of glistening rubies.



• Enormous metabolism - On an average day a hummingbird consumes half of it's weight in sugar.

• Natural co-existence - An ability to pollinate flowers which remarkably have co-evolved with them.

• Migration - The "Rufous Hummingbird" has the longest migration route, flying as much as 3000 miles from Alaska to Mexico. The "Ruby-Throated Hummingbird" also has a very long migration route which includes the incredible task of flying 500 miles non stop across the Gulf of Mexico!

• Species - Hummingbirds have the second largest number of species of any bird in the world.

These facts about hummingbirds, have historically intrigued humans for centuries past and continue to intrigue to the present day.

As we continue to learn about the hummingbirds through ornithological studies, banding, and greater correspondence among enthusiasts, our knowledge and marvel about these birds should increase.

For a more in-depth resource of hummingbird information about the following facts click the underlined links below:

• Hummingbird Flight

• Hummingbird Sounds

• Hummingbird Mating

• Hummingbird Nests

• Baby Hummingbirds

• Observation

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Hummingbirds are a member of the Trochilidae family based on anatomy and bio-chemistry.

There are 340 species of hummingbirds making them the second most diverse bird family on earth.

HOME ON THE RANGE

Hummingbirds are considered to be a bird of the Americas.

They range from southern Alaska to the Caribbean.

Most species live in tropical Central and South America.

Some examples are the Blue-throated Hummingbird, Violet Crowned Hummingbird, Azure Crowned hummingbird and the famous Bee Hummingbird (the smallest bird in the world).

Only the migratory Ruby-throated Hummingbird breeds east of the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes.

Among the number of species that breed in the West is the Black–chinned Hummingbird.

The Rufous Hummingbird is the most widespread in Western Canada.

CONSERVATION

There is a history between humans and hummingbirds.

Their beauty, fearlessness, and other unique qualities have led to a great fascination about these birds.

Many people observe hummingbirds directly in their backyards.

Some enthusiasts set up nature cams (miniature video cameras) which will bring live video of hummingbird activities right into their living rooms.

Others participate in research while many will travel on bird watching tours.

We hope that the hummingbird facts that we have learned can enable us to co-exist without harm for many more centuries to come.

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