What is related to a hummingbird?

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that capture the imagination. Their diminutive size, jewel-like colors, incredible speed and agility, and remarkable hovering ability make them one of nature’s true wonders. But what exactly are hummingbirds and what is related to them? Let’s explore these remarkable birds in more detail.

What are hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are small birds in the family Trochilidae that comprise the smallest of all birds. There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds spread across the Americas from Alaska to Chile.

Some key facts about hummingbirds:

• They are tiny, ranging in size from 2.5 to 8.5 inches in length.
• They have long slender bills adapted for reaching nectar in flowers.
• Their wings beat incredibly fast, up to 80 times per second allowing them to hover and fly backwards.
• They have very rapid metabolisms and high oxygen demands.
• They subsist primarily on nectar but also consume insects and spiders.
• They are solitary and territorial, aggressively defending their feeding territories.

Hummingbirds get their name from the characteristic humming or buzzing sound produced by their rapidly beating wings. Their scientific name Trochilidae comes from the Greek word trochilos meaning “small bird”.

Where are hummingbirds found?

Hummingbirds are only found naturally in the Americas. Their range extends from southeastern Alaska down to southern Chile. The majority of species are tropical, centered in South America and Central America.

Some key points about the range of hummingbirds:

• Over 140 species are found in South America, especially in the Andes region.
• Central America has over 30 resident species, including the iconic ruby-throated hummingbird.
• The United States and Canada have around 12 breeding species, including Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds.
• The highest diversity occurs in humid tropical and subtropical forests.
• Some species migrate long distances, like the ruby-throated hummingbird.
• A few hummingbird species have been introduced to areas outside of the Americas like Hawaii.

Here is a table summarizing the number of hummingbird species found in different regions:

What do hummingbirds eat?

Hummingbirds subsist on nectar and small insects or spiders. Here are some more details on the hummingbird diet:

• Nectar – The main food source is nectar from flowers. Their long slender beaks and tongues are adapted to retrieve nectar.
• Insects and spiders – They get essential proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals from small bugs including mosquitoes, fruit flies, aphids, gnats and spiders.
• Sugar water – Many people provide supplemental sugar water through hummingbird feeders.
• Pollen – Small amounts of pollen are also consumed for protein.
• Tree sap – Hummingbirds will lap and feed on tree sap for an energy boost.

Due to their high metabolic rate, hummingbirds need to consume half their weight in nectar each day and visit hundreds or even thousands of flowers daily. Here is a table comparing the estimated daily nectar consumption for some common hummingbird species:

How do hummingbirds hover and fly?

Hummingbirds are incredible flyers, capable of sustained hovering in mid-air and rapid acceleration. Some key features that enable their flight abilities:

• Their wings beat in a figure 8 pattern up to 80 times per second, allowing them to generate the lift needed to hover.
• They can rotate their wings in all directions enabling maneuverability.
• They have very lightweight yet strong bones and powerful flight muscles making up 25-30% of their total weight.
• Their heart rate can reach as high as 1,260 beats per minute during flight.
• They take about 250 breaths per minute while hovering.

In forward flight, hummingbirds can reach speeds of over 30 mph. During courtship displays, male hummingbirds perform dramatic power dives reaching speeds of 60 mph.

Slow motion video reveals the complex dynamics of hummingbird wings and shows how slight adjustments alter their flight path with precision. Mastering hovering is an essential adaptation that allows hummingbirds to feed on nectar-bearing flowers.

How do hummingbirds reproduce?

Hummingbirds exhibit some interesting reproductive behaviors and adaptations:

• Males attract females with elaborate courtship displays, including dives, zigzags, and repeating shutter sounds with their tail feathers.
• Pairs do not form lasting bonds. The female does all parental care.
• Females build a small cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider webs, and lichens glued together with saliva.
• Most species lay 2 eggs that are only the size of a coffee bean.
• Incubation lasts 14-23 days depending on species. The chicks hatch altricial, or undeveloped.
• Chicks fledge in 18-30 days again depending on species.
• Many hummingbird species can produce two broods in a year.
• Life spans are typically 3-5 years but the oldest known hummingbird lived 12 years.

Reproduction places high energy demands on hummingbirds. Availability of flowers and nesting materials may limit reproductive success. Some migratory species time breeding to coincide with peak flower abundance at destination sites.

How do hummingbirds communicate?

Hummingbirds produce vocalizations and communicate in some surprising ways:

• Chirp and squeaking sounds are used to signal aggression or courtship.
• Tail feathers make shutter-like sounds during courtship displays.
• Wings also produce sonations or humming sounds, both in flight and while perched.
• Bright, iridescent plumage communicates species and sex.
• Patterns of flying like pendulum motions may signal chasing intruders away.

Here is a table summarizing some common hummingbird vocalizations and what they communicate:

How do hummingbirds help with pollination?

Hummingbirds play an important ecological role as pollinators. Some key points:

• Their long bills and tongues allow them to access nectar deep within flowers.
• As they feed, pollen sticks to their heads and bills.
• When they visit the next flower, this pollen rubs off allowing cross-pollination.
• Some plant species are specially adapted to hummingbird pollination such as certain orchids, sages, and columbines.
• Up to 15% of plants in neotropical communities rely on hummingbird pollination.
• This mutualistic relationship means hummingbirds co-evolved with certain flowers.

Characteristics of hummingbird-adapted flowers:

• Bright red tubular shape
• No scent
• Large amounts of dilute nectar
• Stiff petals and sepals to serve as landing platforms

Hummingbirds preferentially visit flower species providing the highest caloric nectar rewards. Their ability to hover allows them to access flowers in ways other pollinators cannot. Declines in hummingbird populations negatively impact pollination networks.

What threats do hummingbirds face?

Though captivating, hummingbirds do face a number of threats and challenges:

• Habitat loss – Logging, agriculture, and development destroys native habitat important to hummingbirds.
• Pesticides – Chemicals reduce insect prey populations and nectar sources.
• Climate change – Timing of migrations may become mismatched with flower blooming periods.
• Competition – Introduced species may compete for limited nectar resources.
• Collisions – Hummingbirds can collide with structures like wind turbines and windows.
• Disease – Bacterial, fungal, and protozoan diseases occasionally affect hummingbird populations.

Habitat degradation and loss poses one of the largest threats. Providing an abundance of native plants and flowers in backyards and parks can help hummingbirds thrive. Reducing pesticide use and keeping cats indoors also supports populations.

Interesting facts about hummingbirds

Hummingbirds have many fascinating and surprising traits beyond their diminutive size and mesmerizing flight capabilities:

• Their heart rate can reach over 1,200 beats per minute and they take up to 250 breaths per minute while flying.
• They have the ability to periodically enter torpor, a state of reduced physiological activity and temperature, to conserve energy overnight.
• They have surprisingly long tongues – sometimes exceeding the length of their bills.
• To make themselves appear larger and more intimidating, they will fluff up specialized head and neck feathers.
• Their wings turn over 180 degrees allowing inverted flight and rapid mid-air pivots.
• They produce a sweet nectar solution in their liver and excrete it onto their feathers to attract insects.

Here are some other impressive hummingbird stats:

The characteristics and capabilities of hummingbirds are truly astounding considering their tiny stature. Scientists continue making new discoveries about how they thrive under evolutionary pressures.

Conclusion

Hummingbirds may be diminutive, but they represent incredible evolutionary innovations and adaptations. Their unparalleled flying abilities, rapid metabolism, role as pollinators, and relationship with flowers make them a fascinating and important part of ecosystems across the Americas. While facing threats, efforts to conserve habitat and reduce pesticide use can ensure these captivating creatures continue gracing the skies for years to come. Their beauty, agility, and appeal will no doubt continue inspiring both wonder and scientific curiosity alike.