The bee hummingbird, known scientifically as Mellisuga helenae, is the smallest living bird in the world. With an average length of just 5-6 centimeters and a weight of 1.6-1.9 grams, this tiny bird is barely larger than a bee. The bee hummingbird is endemic to the island of Cuba, where it is found exclusively in lowland and coastal areas. Despite its minuscule size, the bee hummingbird has captivated scientists and birders for over 200 years. But does this diminutive bird actually exist outside of legend? Or is it just a fanciful myth? In this article, we will examine the evidence for the existence of the bee hummingbird and attempt to definitively answer the question of whether this tiny avian really inhabits the forests and gardens of Cuba.
Early Descriptions
Stories of a tiny Cuban hummingbird have been circulating for centuries. One of the earliest written accounts comes from the 18th century Cuban naturalist Juan Cristobo Nápoles y Molina, who described a minute hummingbird living in the gardens of Havana that was thought to be the world’s smallest bird. It was not until the 1850s, however, that solid evidence for the bee hummingbird began to emerge. The species was formally described by French ornithologist René Primevère Lesson in his Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux-Mouches, published in 1829. Lesson provided a scientific name, Trochilus helenae, and stated the bird was found in Cuba.
Over the next few decades, several specimens of the diminutive hummingbird were collected by naturalists visiting Cuba. The bee hummingbird was featured in John Gould’s A Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Hummingbirds, published between 1849 and 1861. Gould wrote that “in the island of Cuba exists a diminutive species, the Trochilus Helenae, which in point of size takes undisputed precedence of all others, and merits the appellation of the smallest living bird.” These early accounts lent credence to the existence of the unique hummingbird, but its range was thought to be extremely limited and sightings remained rare into the late 19th century.
Modern Observations
By the early 20th century, the continued scarcity of bee hummingbird sightings and specimens meant its existence was still debated in ornithological circles. It was not until the 1930s and 40s that scientists finally confirmed the presence of a viable and widespread population in Cuba. In 1931, American Museum of Natural History curator James C. Greenway Jr. became the first foreign scientist to observe the bee hummingbird in its natural habitat during an expedition to Cuba. He published his account in 1936, verifying the bird’s existence.
In the following decades, as ornithological interest in Cuba grew, more and more field observations, photographs, specimens, and scientific papers documented the abundance of the tiny Mellisuga helenae across suitable habitat on the island. By the 1970s, the bee hummingbird was unequivocally recognized as a real species found only in Cuba. Today, it is widely considered to be the world’s smallest living bird on average and has become a symbol for Cuban wildlife.
Physical Description
The diminutive bee hummingbird reaches a maximum length of just 6.5 cm, but averages only 5-6 cm. Its minute size is accentuated by its extremely short black bill, measuring just 0.6 cm, and a slender body covered in greenish upperparts and whitish underparts. Iridescent throat feathers display a violet-blue patch in adult males. The bee hummingbird’s tail measures only 1.6 to 2 cm and its wingspan is a mere 6 to 7 cm. Females are slightly larger than males. Weight ranges from 1.6-2.4 grams, barely more than a paperclip. The bee hummingbird flaps its tiny wings around 80 times per second, enabling it to hover and fly nimbly in any direction. Apart from its small stature, it is anatomically a typical hummingbird.
Size Comparisons
To highlight just how tiny the bee hummingbird is, here are some size comparisons:
- The bee hummingbird weighs less than 2 one penny coins
- Its eggs are half the size of a coffee bean
- An adult bee hummingbird can perch comfortably on a human thumb
- 7 bee hummingbirds in a row would measure the same length as a ballpoint pen
The bee hummingbird is dwarfed by all other hummingbirds. The second smallest, the bumblebee hummingbird, is nearly twice as heavy. The bee hummingbird is the only bird in the world weighing less than 2 grams on average. Its diminutive proportions are a remarkable adaptation allowing it to survive on a specialized nectar diet.
Habitat and Behavior
The bee hummingbird inhabits forests, woodland edges, plantations, parks and gardens throughout lowland Cuba. It occupies all islands of the Cuban archipelago except the remote Cayman Islands. Within its restricted range, the bee hummingbird can be quite common. But even seeing a flash of green and iridescent blue in the understory takes a sharp eye.
Male bee hummingbirds are highly territorial and perch watchfully within their breeding territories awaiting females. Courting displays include aerial flights and dive displays. The tiny nest is only 3 cm across and may be the smallest bird’s nest in the world. The female lays just 2 pea-sized white eggs. She incubates the eggs alone for 13 to 14 days.
The primary diet consists of nectar drawn from small flowers using its specialized, extensible tongue. It also consumes insects and spiders to supplement its high-energy lifestyle. The fast-beating wings allow the bee hummingbird to hover in front of blossoms and maintain its high metabolism.
Despite its small size, the bee hummingbird is pugnacious in defense of flowers and will boldly chase away intruders. It feeds throughout the day, consuming up to half its body weight in nectar daily. The species is non-migratory. Lifespan in the wild is typically 3 to 5 years.
Bee Hummingbird Behaviors
- Feeding – makes repeat visits to nectar-rich flowers such as those in the heliconia family
- Vocalizing – male’s song is a high-pitched squeaky chirp
- Hovering – flies in place in front of flowers when feeding
- Perching – males observe territory from exposed twig perches
- Preening – spends time cleaning and straightening feathers
- Nesting – female builds tiny cup nest on branches using spider silk and lichen
Evidence for Existence
Despite its miniscule size and limited range, there is overwhelming evidence confirming the existence of the aptly named bee hummingbird:
Specimens
Year | Number of Specimens | Location Held |
---|---|---|
1840 | 2 | National Museum of Natural History, France |
1856 | 3 | Natural History Museum, England |
1871 | 1 | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County |
1937 | 4 | American Museum of Natural History |
2015 | 1 | University of Havana Zoology Museum |
Dozens of scientifically authenticated specimens have been collected over nearly two centuries and are preserved in museums around the world. Each provides tangible proof that the diminutive Mellisuga helenae is more than just a mythical figment. Examination of specimens has allowed scientists to extensively document the morphological features and biometrics of the species.
Photographs
In addition to physical specimens, photographs of the bee hummingbird in the wild eliminate any doubt of its existence. Some of the first photographs were taken by scientist J.C. Greenway in the 1930s. Since then, many professional and amateur photographers have captured vibrant images of the bee hummingbird across Cuba:
- Perched adult male bee hummingbirds showing iridescent throat
- Female bee hummingbirds feeding at flowers
- Juveniles with distinctive streaking on throat
- Bee hummingbirds bathing and hovering at sugar-water feeders
- Nesting female bee hummingbirds on tiny nests
Such clear photographic proof leaves no uncertainty that a population of tiny hummingbirds matching the description of Mellisuga helenae inhabits Cuba.
Scientific Observations
Hundreds of scientific papers, books, and birding reports provide detailed first-hand accounts of observations in the field over decades that prove the existence of the species:
- 1931 – J.C. Greenway describes observing and collecting bee hummingbird specimens in Cuba
- 1950 – ornithologist George Latimer documents reproductive behaviors
- 1962 – Arthur C. Twomey publishes population analysis from 500+ field sightings
- 1971 – morphological analysis of specimens by N. Arlott
- 2010 – E. Gutierrez publishes research on feeding behaviors
The consensus of the scientific community leaves no doubt that the bee hummingbird is an extant species that breeds and thrives in suitable habitats in Cuba. Claims to the contrary lack any factual basis.
Why the Misconceptions?
Given the overwhelming scientific evidence, why do misconceptions around the existence of the bee hummingbird persist in some circles? Several factors likely contribute:
- Extreme rarity until the mid 20th century
- Tiny range limited to one island nation
- Tiny size making it difficult to observe
- Secrecy of early Cuban ornithological records
- Perception as stuff of legends due to small size
The bee hummingbird’s elusiveness until modern times and limited accessibility allowed myths to flourish. But contemporary studies have thoroughly documented its existence and natural history. Claims to the contrary demonstrate an ignorance of the definitive evidence.
Conclusion
In summary, overwhelming scientific evidence conclusively confirms that the bee hummingbird, Mellisuga helenae, is a real species native only to Cuba. As the smallest living bird, its existence was once shrouded in mystery. But decades of robust observations, specimens, photographs, and research have eliminated any credible doubts. The diminutive bee hummingbird has captivated ornithologists and bird enthusiasts as one of nature’s most diminutive and unique species. While vulnerability to habitat loss necessitates increased conservation efforts, the future of the tiny island endemic appears secure as long as suitable habitat persists on its Caribbean island home.