This is an interesting question that requires some research into the relative sizes of hummingbird and ostrich eggs. By comparing the average dimensions and volumes of eggs from each species, we can estimate how many hummingbird eggs might fit inside an ostrich egg.
The Size of Hummingbird Eggs
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, so it’s no surprise their eggs are tiny as well. The average hummingbird egg is about 0.5 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. They are oval shaped. This gives them an average volume of around 0.15 cubic inches.
However, there is some variation in size depending on the specific hummingbird species. The bee hummingbird is the smallest species, with eggs closer to 0.4 inches long and 0.2 inches wide. On the larger end, eggs of the giant hummingbird can be up to 0.7 inches long.
Typical Dimensions of Hummingbird Eggs by Species
| Species | Egg Length | Egg Width |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Hummingbird | 0.4 in | 0.2 in |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 0.5 in | 0.25 in |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 0.55 in | 0.27 in |
| Giant Hummingbird | 0.7 in | 0.35 in |
The bee hummingbird eggs have a volume around 0.1 in3, while the giant hummingbird’s eggs are around 0.2 in3. The average for most hummingbirds falls around 0.15 in3.
The Size of Ostrich Eggs
On the other end of the scale, ostrich eggs are the largest of any living bird. Ostrich eggs can be up to 6 inches long and weigh over 3 pounds.
The average volume of an ostrich egg is around 1600 cubic inches, or over 1.5 quarts. However, larger eggs from older females may exceed 2 quarts in volume.
Typical Dimensions of Ostrich Eggs
| Egg Length | Egg Width | Egg Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 5.5 in | 4.1 in | 1300 in3 |
| 6.0 in | 4.5 in | 1600 in3 |
| 6.5 in | 5.0 in | 1900 in3 |
Estimating How Many Hummingbird Eggs Fit in an Ostrich Egg
Now that we know the relative sizes, we can estimate how many hummingbird eggs might fit inside an average ostrich egg.
If we take the average hummingbird egg volume to be 0.15 in3, and the average ostrich egg to be 1600 in3, then a simple division gives us:
1600 in3 (ostrich egg volume) / 0.15 in3 (hummingbird egg volume) = 10,667
So in theory, around 10,000 hummingbird eggs could fit inside a single ostrich egg!
Of course, this doesn’t take into account the actual shape of the eggs and gaps between them when packed inside the ostrich egg. But it gives us a reasonable ballpark estimate.
Volume Comparison of Hummingbird vs Ostrich Eggs
| Species | Average Egg Volume |
|---|---|
| Hummingbird | 0.15 in3 |
| Ostrich | 1600 in3 |
Factors That Could Change the Estimate
There are a few factors that could potentially change this estimate:
- As mentioned, gaps between the packed hummingbird eggs would reduce the number that fit
- Using the smallest hummingbird egg size could increase the number
- Variability in ostrich egg sizes could increase or decrease the estimate
- Deformations from packing a large number of small eggs in the ostrich egg could limit the volume
Accounting for gaps, deformations, and variability, the number of hummingbird eggs in an ostrich egg is likely in the range of 5,000 – 10,000.
How the Eggs Compare Visually
Here is a size comparison of a hummingbird egg next to an ostrich egg:
As you can see, the ostrich egg dwarfs the tiny hummingbird egg. The volume difference visually shows just how many hummingbird eggs could potentially fit inside the larger ostrich egg.
Incubation Differences Between Hummingbird and Ostrich Eggs
Not only do hummingbird and ostrich eggs differ greatly in size, but there are also major differences in how they are incubated:
Hummingbird Egg Incubation
- Incubation period: 14-23 days
- Incubated solely by the mother
- Mother may incubate up to 2 clutches in a season
- Eggs are very small allowing the mother to easily cover them
Ostrich Egg Incubation
- Incubation period: 35-45 days
- Incubated by both male and female ostriches
- Only 1 clutch per season
- Large eggs require full commitment from both parents
The much shorter incubation time allows hummingbirds to reproduce more frequently in a season compared to ostriches. But ostrich parents are more devoted to nurturing the single clutch.
Conclusion
Based on average egg sizes, over 10,000 hummingbird eggs could theoretically fit inside a single ostrich egg. The exact number may be lower due to packing inefficiencies, but is still likely in the thousands.
This thought experiment illustrates the incredible difference in scale between these two species’ eggs. From a tiny hummingbird egg barely half an inch long to an ostrich egg over 150 times larger, nature provides an amazing diversity in egg sizes.
