Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating creatures on our planet. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. These tiny birds have extremely high metabolisms and must feed every 10-15 minutes to sustain their high energy lifestyle. It’s no wonder that hummingbirds capture the imagination of nature lovers everywhere. If you’re hoping to learn more about these remarkable little birds, you’re in luck – there is an excellent documentary all about hummingbirds and their unique abilities.
When is the hummingbird documentary airing?
The hummingbird documentary, called “Jewels of the Sky”, is scheduled to air this coming Thursday at 8pm Eastern time. It will be broadcast on the public television station WNET, which can be found on channel 13 for those with cable TV. For those without cable, WNET may also be received over the air using an HD antenna on channel 47.1 in most areas. Be sure to check your local listings to confirm the exact channel prior to the scheduled airtime.
What channel number is WNET?
WNET, the public broadcasting station airing the hummingbird documentary, can be found on the following channels depending on your TV provider and location:
- Channel 13 for Spectrum cable subscribers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
- Channel 47 for Verizon Fios subscribers in the New York metro area
- Channel 50 for Comcast Xfinity subscribers in New Jersey and Connecticut
- Channel 47.1 over the air with an HD antenna in most areas
These are the most common channel numbers for finding WNET, but it may vary for some providers or locations. Be sure to check your channel lineup or program guide to confirm the channel prior to the documentary’s air time this Thursday at 8pm Eastern.
What if I don’t get that channel?
If you don’t have access to the WNET channel showing the hummingbird documentary through your cable or satellite package, don’t worry, you still have options!
Here are some ways you can still watch the documentary:
- Use an over-the-air HD antenna to receive WNET on channel 47.1 in most areas.
- Stream WNET through their website or PBS Video app at the scheduled airtime.
- Check if your local PBS station will also be airing the documentary.
- See if the documentary will be available on-demand through PBS or streaming services after it airs.
- Consider signing up for a free trial of a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu Live that carries WNET.
With one of these options, you should still be able to view this fascinating documentary even if WNET isn’t readily available through your current TV provider. Don’t miss out on your chance to go inside the world of hummingbirds!
What channel is PBS on Spectrum?
For Spectrum cable subscribers, PBS stations like WNET can be found in the following channels:
Area | PBS Channel |
---|---|
New York City | Channel 13 |
Buffalo, NY | Channel 17 |
Rochester, NY | Channel 21 |
Albany, NY | Channel 45 |
New Jersey | Channel 13 |
Connecticut | Channel 49 |
So in most of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, PBS and WNET can be found on Channel 13 on Spectrum. But be sure to double check your local channel lineup for exact channel placement in your area prior to the documentary’s scheduled air time.
Can I live stream WNET online?
Yes, WNET offers a live stream of their broadcast through their website and mobile apps. To access the live stream:
- Go to pbs.org/wnedlive on your web browser or open the PBS Video app on your mobile device or streaming player.
- Select to watch WNET Channel 13 Live from New York.
- Log in with your PBS account credentials or create a free PBS account.
- You should now be able to view the live broadcast feed from WNET, including the hummingbird documentary at its scheduled time.
This will allow you to watch the documentary live, even if you don’t have access to WNET through your TV provider. Just be sure to log in ahead of time on the device you plan to stream from. Enjoy the show!
What other nature documentaries are on PBS?
PBS has aired many high-quality, fascinating nature and wildlife documentaries over the years beyond just this hummingbird special. Here are some other excellent nature documentary series and programs you can find on PBS:
- Nature – PBS’ flagship wildlife series with over 35 seasons of amazing animal stories.
- Nova – Frequently features natural history and science-based docs like “Polar Bear Watch.”
- National Parks – Breathtaking cinematography of America’s national parks.
- Earth’s Natural Wonders – Life in extreme environments like the deep ocean and Antarctic ice.
- Wild America – Focuses on North American wildlife.
- The Life of Birds – David Attenborough’s look at avian life.
- Planet Earth – BBC natural history series with stunning visuals.
From hummingbirds to polar bears, PBS has a vast library of nature and science documentaries to stream. The high-quality productions showcase animals and ecosystems from around the world. Always turn to PBS when you want to learn more about the amazing natural world around us!
Are hummingbirds found outside of the Americas?
No, hummingbirds are exclusively found in the Americas. There are over 300 different species of hummingbird living in North, Central, and South America. Some of the countries where you can spot hummingbirds in the wild include:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Ecuador
- Brazil
- Peru
- Chile
Hummingbirds migrate and breed throughout this range in the Americas based on seasons and food availability. However, they do not cross oceans to other continents. So unfortunately, you won’t find any native or wild hummingbirds in Europe, Africa, Asia, or Australia. Only in the New World!
What are some key facts about hummingbirds?
Here are some key facts to know about hummingbirds:
- Smallest birds in the world – Some species are only 2 inches long
- Incredibly fast wing beats – Up to 80 beats per second
- Master hoverers – Only birds able to hover mid-air
- Very high metabolism – Must eat every 10-15 minutes
- Love nectar – Main food source is flower nectar
- Rapid chirpers – Distinct vocalizations while feeding
- Amazing migrators – Some species migrate thousands of miles
- Gorgeous colors – Shimmering reds, greens, blues, and purples
- Found only in the Americas – Range from Alaska to Chile
These characteristics make hummingbirds one of the most unique bird species. Their specialized adaptations allow them to thrive and captivate bird lovers across the Americas.
What is the rarest hummingbird?
The rarest and most endangered hummingbird is the Mangrove Hummingbird which is found along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Here are some key facts about this rare bird:
- Population estimated at only 200-300 individuals
- Small range limited to temperate mangrove forests
- Classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List
- Threatened by habitat loss from development and pollution
- Tiny 2 inch long bird with metallic green and blue coloring
Intensive conservation efforts are underway to preserve the mangrove forests this species relies on. Ecotourism offers an opportunity to promote protection of the Mangrove Hummingbird. But this endangered bird remains at high risk of extinction in the wild.
How many types of hummingbirds are there?
There are over 300 different species and subspecies of hummingbirds identified worldwide. The exact number of types can vary slightly depending on the taxonomic classification system used. Here’s an overview of hummingbird diversity:
- Trochilidae – The family that includes all hummingbirds
- 9 Genera – Major groupings of similar hummingbird species
- Over 140 Species – Distinct hummingbird species within those genera
- Many subspecies – Regional variations within some species
The vast majority of this hummingbird diversity is found only in the Americas. A few examples of common hummingbird species include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, and Rufous Hummingbird. Exploring their unique traits and distributions provides a window into the dynamic evolution of hummingbirds over millions of years.
What is the largest hummingbird species?
The largest hummingbird species is the Giant Hummingbird native to South America. Here are some standout facts about this big bird:
- 8-9 inches long from bill to tail
- Weighs 0.6 to 0.9 ounces
- Found in Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina
- High mountain forests and scrubland habitats
- Long, curved black bill
- Distinctively buzzing wing beats
- Males have vibrant iridescent throat feathers
Compare that to the smallest hummingbird, the Bee Hummingbird, which is only 2 inches long and weighs 2-6 grams. The Giant Hummingbird’s large size likely evolved to help regulate body temperature in cold mountain environments. Next to it, even other big hummingbirds like the Long-tailed Sylph seem tiny in comparison.
Conclusion
I hope this provided lots of helpful information about the fascinating world of hummingbirds! Let me know if you need any other details on where and when to watch the great new hummingbird documentary coming out this week. I’m excited to learn more about these captivating birds right along with you. Enjoy the show!