Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are among the smallest migrating birds on our planet . A bird whose brains make up 4.2% of its body weight.
Hummingbirds
Their name was derived from the humming sound generated by the tiny wings when they fly. They are native to America’s and one of the smallest birds alive.
They are about 357 species of hummingbirds.
Males are smaller than the females in the small bodied species, while in large bodied species. The males are larger than the females.
They have no sense of taste but they can see colors. Mostly attracted to bright colors like red. Infact, they can see in UV light hence further than humans can. They also have a better sense of hearing.
They are nectarivores, meaning that they depend on nectar for their food.
By feeding on the nector, they are able to promote pollination in the flowers they get nector from.
After insects, hummingbird have the highest metabolism while in flight. This helps us understand how a migrating ruby-throated hummingbird is able to cross the Gulf of Mexico.
Their extremely high metabolism requires excellent functioning kidneys. They intake lots of waters, upto to five times their body weight.
They conserve their energy at night by practicing a hibernation-like technique known as torpor. Where all its body functions are extremely slowed down.
Unlike other birds, hummingbirds can travel the many miles alone during their migration.
The bee hummingbird is the smallest bird among the hummingbirds and other birds.
Interesting, hummingbirds can manage to fly in different angles. That is, forward, backwards, downwards and even upwards.
Unfortunately, they can only live up to to around 5 years.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have loads of surprises. Being among the smallest birds yet migrate very long distances.
It’s funny how they depend on flowers for the nectar, but have no idea how these flowers smell. But awesomely, they are attracted to the brightly colored ones. This is just amazing.
So what do you think would happen if they were to vanish? Who will help the flowers when they need pollination to occur?
Lets stop clearing the natural habitats. It’s time to share what has remained among all living organisms. In short, time to embrace sustainable living.
In my next article, I will tell you all about my favourite African Hoope.
An interesting and illuminating article
Thank you very much Malkie
We have these bright green and pinkish color migrate thru Texas. My granny would have her tree’s full of feeders and stand and watch for hours. Their nest are very hard to see and very small. 🙂
Wow, feeders make them stop by on their journey. She must have had a wonderful time watching the tiny birds.😄
They migrate thru Texas every year I think on way to Mexico. Their common if you put out plenty of juice and let them find, it may take a year. My grannie would have sometimes ten out front. She loved them.
They love sugary stuff. She must have had great knowledge about them. I envy her 😘😊, I wish I will get such an opportunity
People think the birds can see red and often put red food color in there, she just put water and tons of sugar. They were very happy.
😘😊😊. Some birds see colors and are attracted by bright colors. Like the hummingbirds. But most birds will be attracted to feeders with food and water, for those that depend on nectar, water with sugar is a great magnet to pull them.
I finally get to go to postal office on Monday!!!!!!! I’m glad to have your and Ester’s surprise on the way. You fragrance is much stronger so you will need to let it air out. I hope Ester likes hers, very flowery. I still included the note to your parents just not able to send lotion. It would leak on everything. 🙂
That’s awesome 😘😍😊🙂. Thank you very very much. Much appreciated.
I’ll let you know, it’s ready with packing and customs info and just needs postage. It was crazy, I went to DHL and Fedex thinking it would get there sooner and look now, good old postal service. 🙂
☺ that’s good news
Wow! So many different species. Interesting. 😊
True. Tiny but one of a kind package full of awesomeness.
Beautiful birds. When we visited Jamaica we were able to feed them by hand from small bottles with a nozzle. It was one of my most memorable experiences. I’ll never forget how those small feet felt when they landed on my finger.
It must have been an incredible moment. One of the ways, birds brightens our souls and create sweet unforgettable moments for us.
A nice article
Thank you very much
This may be a daft question but from your phrasing I gather the brain being 4.2% of the weight is large? What would be normal?
Yes, they have a larger brain mass to body mass ratio. That’s why they are among the most intelligent animals. Hummingbirds have brains that are approximately 2.5 times larger than those of galliform birds. Normally, birds have a 1/12 brain mass to body mass ratio.
I love hummingbirds!
They are awesome birds.
Fascinating
They are incredible.
Hummingbirds are often as beautiful as jewels, themselves. That these small creatures are capable of migration is amazing. Losing them would be a tragedy.
Very true and sad indeed. We should not allow them disappear.
I love all birds, but the hummingbird is particularly fascinating. I never tire of watching them hover at our feeder and drink their fill of sugar water. Sometimes they drink for so long, I wonder where they’re putting all that liquid! Thank you for the interesting information about them, Cheche, and for becoming a follower of my blog, From the Inside Out. I pray you’ll find the posts meaningful whenever you’re able to visit!
Thank you very much for being here and your amazing blog. Hummingbirds are full of wonderful surprises.