The answer to whether a hummingbird is the smallest bird or not requires looking at the different species of hummingbirds and comparing their size to other small bird species. While hummingbirds are very small, there are a few other birds that are smaller on average.
How small are hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are incredibly tiny birds. The smallest species of hummingbird is the Bee Hummingbird, found in Cuba and the Isle of Pines. This tiny bird reaches a length of just 2 to 2.4 inches from the tip of its bill to the tip of its tail. Its weight ranges from 2 to 2.6 grams. To put that in perspective, a U.S. penny weighs 2.5 grams. The Bee Hummingbird lives up to its name with its bumblebee-like size.
Other small hummingbird species include:
- Calliope Hummingbird – 2.75 to 3.25 inches long
- Lucifer Hummingbird – 3.5 to 3.75 inches long
- Elegant Hummingbird – 3.5 to 4.3 inches long
As you can see, even the larger hummingbird species are remarkably tiny, reaching only about 4 inches maximum in length. So there’s no denying that hummingbirds rank among the smallest of all birds.
What are the smallest bird species in the world?
While hummingbirds are tiny, they are not quite the absolute smallest birds in the world. That title goes to a few members of different bird families.
Some of the world’s tiniest birds include:
- Bee Hummingbird – 2 to 2.4 inches long
- Mellisuga helenae – 2.2 to 2.4 inches long
- Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant – 2.2 to 2.4 inches long
- Eared Pygmy Tyrant – 2.3 to 2.8 inches long
- Pygmy Flowerpecker – 2.3 to 3.1 inches long
As you can see, the Bee Hummingbird just ekes out the Mellisuga helenae and Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant as the smallest bird in the world. All three range between 2 and 2.4 inches long. The other species come in just a bit longer than the top three tiniest.
Size comparison of the world’s smallest birds
| Bird Species | Length |
|---|---|
| Bee Hummingbird | 2 – 2.4 inches |
| Mellisuga helenae | 2.2 – 2.4 inches |
| Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant | 2.2 – 2.4 inches |
| Eared Pygmy Tyrant | 2.3 – 2.8 inches |
| Pygmy Flowerpecker | 2.3 – 3.1 inches |
This table compares the total body lengths of the top 5 smallest bird species in the world. As you can see, the Bee Hummingbird, Mellisuga helenae, and Short-tailed Pygmy Tyrant are all extremely close in average length. The Bee Hummingbird just barely measures the shortest on average.
Why are small birds so tiny?
There are a few key reasons why these birds evolved to be so diminutive in size:
- **Adaptation for feeding** – Small birds like hummingbirds and flowerpeckers have tiny beaks and long tongues perfect for sipping nectar from flowers. Their tiny size also allows them to hover right next to flowers to feed.
- **Predator avoidance** – Their teeny sizes make them less visible to predators.
- **Heat regulation** – Smaller bodies hold heat better, an advantage in cold climates.
- **Flight adaptation** – Less body mass enables specialized flight such as hovering, easier takeoff, and maneuverability.
So while being tiny comes with some disadvantages like vulnerability to the elements, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to survival. Their petite size is an evolutionary adaptation that works beautifully for small bird species around the world.
Why are hummingbirds so small?
Hummingbirds match the other tiny birds in their adaptions for small size. Here’s a look at some of the benefits hummingbirds gain from their diminutive stature:
- **Nectar feeding** – Long slender beaks and tongues let them access nectar deep inside flowers.
- **Heat regulation** – Small bodies make it easier to raise or lower temperature as needed.
- **Flight mastery** – Lightweight bodies allow impressive feats of flight like hovering, midair stops, and backward flying.
- **Agility** – Excellent maneuverability from their tiny size helps them access flower nectar and escape predators.
Additionally, the fierce competition among hummingbird species has likely driven the evolution of smaller sizes. The tiniest hummingbirds are able to exploit food resources and nectar reserves that are too difficult or deep for larger hummers to access. This gives them a competitive edge.
Conclusion
While hummingbirds are incredibly tiny birds, they are slightly edged out by a few species that are even smaller on average like the Bee Hummingbird and Mellisuga helenae. However, hummingbirds are certainly near the top when it comes to the world’s smallest birds. Their diminutive size is an evolutionary adaptation that gives them advantages for feeding, flight maneuverability, heat regulation, and avoiding predators. So while they may not be the absolute smallest, hummingbirds exemplify how and why becoming so tiny can be beneficial for bird species around the world.
