The Bee Hummingbird, scientific name Mellisuga helenae, is the smallest bird in the world and one of the rarest hummingbird species. This tiny bird is endemic to Cuba and is classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the Bee Hummingbird so unique, look at its rarity, and examine conservation efforts to protect this tiny bird.
What is the Bee Hummingbird?
The Bee Hummingbird is aptly named for its diminutive size – averaging just 5-6 centimeters long and weighing a mere 1.6-2 grams. That’s lighter than a penny! This tiny bird lives up to its name with a buzzing wingbeat of around 80 flaps per second.
Males have bright iridescent throats in metallic green, blue, red, and purple. Females are paler gray-green overall. Their extremely short legs and feet are an adaptation for perching on the thinnest branches and wires.
This tiny bird has the fastest metabolism of any vertebrate to support its rapid beating wings. Their hearts beat up to 1,260 times per minute and they take 250 breaths per minute while at rest. To conserve energy, they can go into torpor – slowing their metabolism by 50-95%.
The Bee Hummingbird feeds primarily on nectar from flowers using their long, slender bills to access nectar. They also eat small insects on occasion for extra protein.
These hummingbirds breed between March and June. Females build a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider webs, and lichen – often only 2-3 cm wide! Only 2 tiny white eggs are laid, and the chicks hatch after a 15-18 day incubation.
Where is the Bee Hummingbird found?
The Bee Hummingbird is endemic to the entire island of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. It is found across the mainland of Cuba and on the surrounding Isla de la Juventud and Cayo Largo.
Within its Cuban range, this species is found in a variety of habitats including:
– Forest edges
– Parks and gardens
– Agricultural land
– Swamps and mangroves
However, they seem to prefer habitats with plenty of small flowers for nectar feeding including forests and parks with flowering trees and shrubs.
They are a resident species in Cuba and do not migrate. Their tiny size limits their ability to make long migrations over water like some larger hummingbird species.
How rare is the Bee Hummingbird?
The Bee Hummingbird has a very limited range – found only in Cuba and some surrounding islands. However, within this range it is locally common and the overall population is estimated between 19,000-200,000 mature individuals.
They face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and predation but have a stable population trend. The IUCN Red List classifies the Bee Hummingbird as Near Threatened.
Here is a table summarizing the conservation status of the Bee Hummingbird:
| Conservation Status | Summary |
|---|---|
| IUCN Red List Status | Near Threatened |
| Population trend | Stable |
| Estimated population size | 19,000 – 200,000 mature individuals |
| Range | Endemic to Cuba and surrounding islands |
| Habitat | Forests, parks, gardens, agricultural land |
| Main threats | Habitat loss, climate change, predation |
So while the Bee Hummingbird has a tiny global range and small overall population, it is still locally common within Cuba. However, its limited range makes it vulnerable to extinction threats. More conservation action is needed to protect critical habitat for this tiny endemic Cuban species.
Why is the Bee Hummingbird rare and threatened?
There are several reasons why the Bee Hummingbird is considered rare and threatened:
– Small geographic range – Endemic to Cuba makes it vulnerable
– Specific habitat needs – Requires flowers, nesting sites, and insect prey within a small habitat range
– Climate change – Rising sea levels, increased storms, and changing flowering schedules could threaten habitats
– Development – Urban growth and tourism development in Cuba degrades and destroys habitat
– Predators – Birds, snakes, and rodents prey on eggs, chicks, and adults. Nest predation is a major threat.
– Pesticides – Insecticides reduce insect prey. Herbicides degrade flower resources.
– Competition – More common Cuban hummingbird species compete for habitat and resources.
– Natural disasters – Hurricanes and tropical storms can destroy critical breeding habitat.
Their tiny size and high-energy lifestyle also limit their ability to adapt to new conditions. For these reasons, protections for their specialized Cuban habitat is critical.
Bee Hummingbird conservation
There are several conservation measures being implemented to protect the vulnerable Bee Hummingbird:
– Habitat protection – Protecting key forest, wetland, and mangrove ecosystems provides critical habitat
– Flower planting – Providing nectar resources by planting flowering trees and shrubs
– Nest protection – Monitoring and patrolling nests helps mitigate nest predation
– Captive breeding – Zoos and breeders maintain captive Bee Hummingbird populations as a safeguard
– Education – Teaching Cuban residents and tourists about the rarity of this special endemic bird
– Research – Tracking populations and habitat use informs future conservation actions
– Policy – Government regulations limit development in sensitive areas and restrict harmful pesticide use
One important initiative is Cuba’s extensive system of protected areas. Over 20% of Cuba’s land is protected in 98 parks and reserves. Many of these help conserve habitat for the Bee Hummingbird and numerous other endemic species.
Ecotourism and the Bee Hummingbird
The brilliant, buzzing Bee Hummingbird is a major ecotourism draw for visitors to Cuba. Several sites have become top attractions for seeing this endemic bird up close:
**Cienaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve** – Extensive wetlands with mangroves and swamp forests provide prime habitat. Guided tours improve chances of sightings.
**Havana Botanical Gardens** – Planted flowers attract hummingbirds to the gardens. A top spot to photograph the birds.
**Las Terrazas** – This community and nature reserve west of Havana has reforested habitat. A key area to see the unique hummingbirds.
**Cayo Coco** – Mangroves and beach vegetation host hummingbirds at island resorts. Best visited November to March during peak flowering.
**Viñales Valley** – Limestone cliffs and lush vegetation host Bee Hummingbirds. Tours visit birding hotspots.
Ecotourism built around this endemic bird has supported habitat conservation and environmental education programs for residents and tourists alike. Limits help prevent habitat disturbance.
However, more work is still needed to track and mitigate tourism impacts. Visitors must take special care not to disturb nesting sites or stress the birds. Continued expansion of eco-lodging and sustainable tour providers is a priority.
Fun facts about the Bee Hummingbird
The tiniest bird in the world has some amazing features beyond its minute size:
– Wings beat up to 80 times per second – that’s faster than you can blink an eye! This rapid beating is necessary to support hovering.
– Heart rate of 1,260 beats per minute – one of the fastest of any animal based on size
– Weighs only 1/15th of an ounce – that’s lighter than a penny!
– Nests are just 2-3 cm wide – some of the tiniest bird nests in the world
– Feather colors shine like iridescent gems due to structural properties rather than pigments
– Long slender bill perfectly adapted to reach nectar at bottom of long tubular flowers
– Horizontally flattened spine is a unique adaptation for aerial agility in flight
– Constantly feeds due to metabolic rate of a resting hummingbird burning calories equivalent to a 150-pound man running six miles!
– Effective pollinators of many Cuban flowers due to preference for nectar-rich tubular blossoms. Ruby-throated hummingbird is a close relative in North America.
The Bee Hummingbird’s shockingly tiny size combined with its alien-like hovering flight and glittering colors make it a true marvel of evolution and one of the most surprising birds in the world. It’s no wonder birders travel from all around for a glimpse of this rare island gem.
Conclusion
The Bee Hummingbird’s small global population and limited island habitat certainly make it a rare bird. However, concentrated conservation efforts focused on this Cuban endemic have stabilized populations for now.
Ecotourism, habitat protections, and education programs highlighting this unique bird have been beneficial. But continued action is needed to monitor threats and sustain prime habitat in the face of growing tourism and development.
For now, the Bee Hummingbird remains a Caribbean jewel – flashing its rainbow colors and dizzying wings over Cuban forests and gardens. This tiny bird is a testament to the island’s rich biodiversity worth protecting for future generations.
