Cinnamon hummingbirds are some of the smallest birds in the world, captivating people with their diminutive size and energetic fluttering. But exactly how tiny are these tiny birds? Let’s take a closer look at the size of cinnamon hummingbirds.
In the opening paragraphs, it’s helpful to provide some quick answers to key questions readers may have:
– The average length of a cinnamon hummingbird is between 2.5 – 3 inches. That’s about the size of a large bumblebee!
– Their wingspan ranges from 3.5 – 4.25 inches. That’s shorter than the average human handspan.
– These hummingbirds usually weigh between 2 – 6 grams. A penny weighs around 3 grams, so they’re lighter than a penny.
– Overall, cinnamon hummingbirds are among the smallest hummingbird species in the world. The bee hummingbird is the only bird smaller than the cinnamon.
With their petite frames and rapid wingbeats up to 80 beats per second, cinnamon hummingbirds are perfectly adapted to their specialized nectar-feeding lifestyle. Next, let’s look at their dimensions in more detail.
Average Cinnamon Hummingbird Length
The cinnamon hummingbird has an average length of 2.5 – 3 inches (6.5 – 7.5 cm) from the tip of its bill to the end of its tail.
This makes them only slightly bigger than large bumblebees, which grow up to 2 inches long. Other small objects that are about the same length as cinnamon hummingbirds include:
– A AA battery (2.5 inches long)
– A credit card (3.25 inches long)
– An iPhone mini (5.18 inches long)
To visualize how tiny a 3 inch cinnamon hummingbird really is, imagine holding one in your hand. Its body would take up only a small part of your palm, leaving plenty of room around it.
Some key facts about the cinnamon hummingbird’s miniscule length:
– Females are generally larger than males. A female might be 3 inches while a male is 2.5 inches.
– Their bill makes up around 20% of their total body length.
– As chicks, they are even smaller, hatching at roughly the size of a bumblebee.
So while we often think of hummingbirds being thumb-sized, the cinnamon hummingbird is in a league of its own when it comes to ultra-compact size. Keep this tiny length in mind as we explore their other dimensions.
Comparisons with Other Birds
The cinnamon hummingbird is one of the smallest hummingbird species. Here’s how its length compares to other birds:
| Bird | Average Length |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon hummingbird | 2.5 – 3 inches |
| Bee hummingbird | 2 – 2.25 inches |
| Calliope hummingbird | 3 – 3.5 inches |
| Broad-tailed hummingbird | 3.5 – 4 inches |
| Rufous hummingbird | 3.5 – 4 inches |
| American robin | 8.7 – 11 inches |
As you can see, the cinnamon hummingbird is substantially smaller than other common hummingbirds as well as songbirds like the robin. Only the bee hummingbird bests it for the title of world’s smallest bird.
Wingspan
In addition to having a tiny body length, cinnamon hummingbirds also have a remarkably compact wingspan measuring only 3.5 – 4.25 inches.
To put this in perspective, a standard 12 oz soda can is about 2.6 inches in diameter – so the cinnamon’s wings could only stretch 1-2 cans in length! Their wings are specially adapted to enable effortless hovering and near-instantaneous changes in direction, essential for nectar-feeding.
Some examples of objects with a similar wingspan:
– A large lemon (~3.5 inches)
– A personal pan pizza (~4 inches)
– A iPhone mini (~2.65 inches)
– A credit card (~3.25 inches)
Again, female cinnamon hummingbirds tend to be on the upper end of the wingspan range while males are smaller. And a juvenile’s initial wingspan would be even tinier at first, closer to 2.5 inches. But in either case, it’s impressive that their small wings can beat up to 80 times per second in flight!
Comparison of Wingspans
Here’s how the cinnamon hummingbird’s wingspan ranges compare to other birds:
| Bird | Wingspan |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon hummingbird | 3.5 – 4.25 inches |
| Calliope hummingbird | 4.5 – 5 inches |
| Broad-tailed hummingbird | 4 – 5.5 inches |
| Bald eagle | 6.5 – 7.5 feet |
Again this comparison shows how petite the cinnamon hummingbird’s wingspan is relative to most other birds. Their small size allows them to hover and maneuver masterfully.
Weight
These fast-flapping hummingbirds are incredibly lightweight, with an average weight of just 2 – 6 grams.
For reference, a paperclip weighs about 1 gram while a U.S penny weighs 2.5 grams. So a cinnamon hummingbird weighs only marginally more than a penny!
Some other approximate weights for comparison:
– A raisin: 2 grams
– A gumball: 5 grams
– A golf ball: 46 grams
– A tennis ball: 58 grams
– A baseball: 149 grams
As you can see, the cinnamon hummingbird is extraordinarily light for a bird. Its skeleton and feathers are highly streamlined and minimal to contain the bird’s weight.
A closer look at factors influencing cinnamon hummingbirds’ tiny weight:
– Females tend to weigh slightly more at 5-6 grams compared to males at 2-4 grams.
– Weight fluctuates depending on food availability and time of year. They weigh the least after migration.
– Chicks hatch at an impossibly light 0.6 grams – that’s around the weight of a paperclip!
Next let’s see how the cinnamon hummingbird’s weight stacks up to other birds.
Comparison of Bird Weights
| Bird | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon hummingbird | 2 – 6 grams |
| Calliope hummingbird | 2 – 6 grams |
| Broad-tailed hummingbird | 3 – 8 grams |
| American robin | 77 grams |
| Bald eagle | 4 – 6.3 kg |
This comparison puts their tiny weight into perspective, as even other small hummingbirds weigh marginally more than the cinnamon. Compared to larger perching birds and raptors, the difference is exponential.
Clearly, the cinnamon hummingbird’s diminutive stature makes it one of the lightest and smallest birds in the world. Its body is highly adapted to its nectar-feeding niche, allowing the bird to hover with grace and agility. While exact sizes can vary, a cinnamon hummingbird will virtually always measure under 5 inches in length and weigh less than a penny. The next time you see one zipping by, take a moment to appreciate its incredibly miniature size!
Other Physical Characteristics
In addition to its exceptionally small measurements, the cinnamon hummingbird has other notable physical features including:
Compact Shape
With a short neck and rounded body shape, the cinnamon hummingbird has a compact, almost plump silhouette despite its tiny size. Their body is about 2/3 the length of the entire bird. This contributes to their diminutive dimensions while allowing room for flight muscles.
Short Bill
Their bills are fairly short, averaging 5-6mm long or around 1/4 inch. This allows them to neatly sip nectar from short flowers. The bill is slightly downturned at the tip. Females tend to have longer bills than males.
Swift Flying Speed
Cinnamon hummingbirds can fly at speeds around 25-30 mph when cruising. During courtship displays, the male can reach up to 50 mph! This is enabled by their strong wing muscles which allow them to beat their wings up to 80 times per second. Pretty speedy for such a small bird!
Minimal Plumage Differences
Unlike some hummingbird species, cinnamon hummingbird males and females look very similar. Both genders have vibrant reddish-brown plumage on their heads, tails, wings and bodies. The male may have slightly more color on his gorget (throat). But overall their coloration is nearly identical.
High-Pitched Chirps
These hummingbirds produce a range of very high-pitched squeaking and chirping vocalizations. Their small vocal organs and respiratory systems contribute to these tiny sounds that are barely perceptible to humans.
So in summary, the cinnamon hummingbird’s appearance, vocalizations, speed and agility all reflect its position as one of the world’s tiniest avian species. From slender bills to compressed plumage, these birds are perfectly built to thrive in their niche.
Role of Size in Behavior and Habitat
The cinnamon hummingbird’s miniscule proportions directly influence many aspects of its behavior and interaction with the environment including:
Ideal for Hover-feeding
Weighing less than a penny, the cinnamon hummingbird uses an energetically efficient hovering method to feed on nectar. Hovering allows them to linger in front of flowers while extracting nectar with their short bills. Their tiny size enables them to stay aloft through rapid wing-beating.
Nimble Flight Maneuverability
With a wingspan under 4 inches, the cinnamon hummingbird can deftly maneuver through dense vegetation and evade predators. Their compact size increases their flight agility, allowing them to suddenly change directions mid-air with little effort.
Small Nest Sites
They build tiny cup-shaped nests only 2 inches across in low tree branches and shrubs. Their petite size allows them to situate nests in small concealed spots to keep safe from predators.
Lower Energy Needs
Weighing under 5 grams, cinnamon hummingbirds have lower overall energy requirements than larger birds. This means they can meet their nectar needs in relatively small territories compact with flowers.
Surviving Cold Nights
By going into torpor, cinnamon hummingbirds can conserve energy on cold nights when their tiny bodies are prone to losing heat. Their small size facilitates rapidly dropping their metabolic rate and body temperature.
Interspecies Competition
Despite being bold and territorial, their tiny size means cinnamon hummingbirds are vulnerable to displacement by larger species at nectar resources. Their diminutive stature limits their competitiveness.
So in essence, the cinnamon hummingbird’s petite proportions are essential adaptations allowing it to survive and thrive as a tiny hover-feeding specialist. From flying fast to building tiny nests, its miniature size shapes this bird’s entire ecology.
Significance of Small Size
For the cinnamon hummingbird, being diminutive in size has broad evolutionary and ecological significance:
Accessing Food Resources
Their tiny size enables them to exploit flower nectar as a food source. They can hover in front of blooms and use their short bills to probe into narrow corollas not accessible by larger birds.
Evading Predators
By being swift, agile flyers, they can escape larger predators. Their small size allows them to hide in dense foliage and small cavities. Females camouflage their petite nests.
Conserving Energy
With a resting heartbeat of 500 bpm and ability to torpor, they can conserve energy efficiently. Lower food requirements suit their high-metabolism lifestyle.
Colonizing New Habitats
As nectar specialists, cinnamon hummingbirds can potentially colonize diverse new habitats as long as small flowering plants are available. Their range has expanded in recent decades.
Surviving Migration
These tiny birds make amazingly long migrations each year across ocean barriers. By storing fat equal to half their body weight, their small size helps them endure the lengthy journeys.
So in summary, the cinnamon hummingbird’s miniscule proportions are key adaptations related to feeding, surviving, reproducing and migrating. Size matters for how these tiny dynamos make their way in the world!
Comparison of Size to Bee Hummingbird
The bee hummingbird of Cuba holds the record for the world’s smallest bird. But how exactly does its size compare to the cinnamon hummingbird? Let’s look at the measurements side-by-side:
| Bee Hummingbird | Cinnamon Hummingbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 – 2.25 inches | 2.5 – 3 inches |
| Wingspan | 2.25 inches | 3.5 – 4.25 inches |
| Weight | 1.6 – 2 grams | 2 – 6 grams |
As you can see, the bee hummingbird is smaller in every dimension, although the cinnamon hummingbird comes close. The bee hummingbird truly represents the lower limits of avian miniaturization.
Interestingly, the cinnamon hummingbird is believed to sometimes displace bee hummingbirds at flowers because of its relatively larger size and stronger flight abilities. So the cinnamon hummingbird ranks near the top as the world’s second smallest bird, with only Cuba’s endemic bee hummingbird beating it in diminutive stature.
Summary and Conclusion
In Review
– The cinnamon hummingbird reaches an average body length of 2.5 – 3 inches, smaller than most hummingbirds and even bumblebees.
– Its wingspan extends just 3.5 – 4.25 inches, about the length of a lemon or credit card.
– Weighing only 2 – 6 grams, the bird is as light as a penny.
– The cinnamon hummingbird is the second smallest bird in the world after the bee hummingbird.
– Its tiny size aids hovering flight, nesting, migration, and evading predators.
Conclusion
So in summary, the cinnamon hummingbird’s miniscule proportions make it one of the smallest avian species on earth. While its exact length, wingspan and weight can vary, these hummingbirds always rank at the extreme low end of the avian size scale. Next time you marvel at their speedy flight, appreciate that you’re watching one of nature’s tiniest and most masterful flying machines!
