The world’s smallest hummingbird, the bee hummingbird, is native to Cuba. With an average length of just 2 inches from bill to tail, this tiny bird holds the record as the smallest living bird in the world.
Where is the bee hummingbird found?
The bee hummingbird is endemic to the entire island of Cuba. It can be found in forests, woodlands, gardens, and along the edges of fields across the country. Its small size and agile flight allow it to thrive in a variety of habitats. The species is most abundant in eastern Cuba.
What is the range and habitat of the bee hummingbird?
As mentioned, the bee hummingbird is found across the island of Cuba. Specifically, its range includes:
- The forests and woodlands of eastern Cuba
- Urban parks and gardens in Havana and other cities
- Along the edges of agricultural fields and grasslands
- Coastal areas with scrubby vegetation
This tiny bird occupies a range of habitats but prefers locations with plenty of small flowers and flowering trees where it can easily collect nectar. It is most abundant in humid broadleaf forests.
How big is a bee hummingbird?
The bee hummingbird reaches an average total length of just 2 inches (5 cm) from the tip of its bill to the end of its tail feathers. Some key size specifications include:
Measurement | Size |
---|---|
Total length | 2 inches |
Wingspan | 2.25 inches |
Weight | 0.07 to 0.12 oz |
As these numbers show, the bee hummingbird is exceptionally tiny, weighing less than a U.S. penny!
What are some key facts about the bee hummingbird?
- It is the smallest living bird in the world and the smallest hummingbird species
- Males are slightly larger than females
- Its tiny size limits its range to warmer climates
- It has an extremely fast metabolism and heart rate
- The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List
- Bee hummingbirds eat nectar, pollen, and small insects
- They build tiny cup-shaped nests
- Males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females
Why is it called the “bee hummingbird”?
The bee hummingbird gets its common name from its diminutive size. At just 2 inches long, it’s about the same length as a big bee. The species’ small stature evokes the image of a petite insect buzzing from flower to flower.
The bee hummingbird is also sometimes called the “bee bird” for the same reason. Its scientific name is Mellisuga helenae, which translates to “Helen’s nectar sucker” – another reference connecting the species to bees and their penchant for nectar.
How did the bee hummingbird get to be so small?
There are a few key evolutionary adaptations that allow the bee hummingbird to survive at such a tiny size:
- High metabolism: Bee hummingbirds have an extremely rapid metabolism and heart rate that provides the energy needed to power flight on such a small body.
- Efficient wings: The wings of the bee hummingbird beat up to 80 times per second, allowing it to hover and fly swiftly on minimal power.
- Small size: The evolution of small body size itself confers advantages like the ability to exploit tiny nectar sources.
- Heat retention: Dense plumage helps the bee hummingbird retain heat to survive in cooler climates during migration.
Over thousands of years, these adaptations have allowed the species to become the tiniest living bird.
How does the bee hummingbird survive at such a small size?
Surviving as one of the world’s smallest birds presents some unique challenges that the bee hummingbird has adapted to:
- High-energy diet: It relies on a diet of nectar and sugary pollen to meet its fast metabolism.
- Fast flight: Rapid wing beats provide agility to evade predators.
- Camouflage: Olive green plumage helps blend into vegetation to avoid threats.
- Cold tolerance: Special adaptations like torpor help it survive colder temperatures.
- Nest placement: It builds nests in sheltered spots away from disturbances.
Despite its size, the bee hummingbird has evolved excellent survival mechanisms. Cuba’s warm climate and abundant flowers also provide an ideal habitat.
Conclusion
The bee hummingbird’s home of Cuba is the perfect environment for this tiny species. At just 2 inches long, the diminutive bird faces the challenge of surviving and thriving at a truly miniature size. Luckily, adaptations like a rapid metabolism, efficient flight, and appropriate habitat preferences have allowed it to become the smallest living bird in the world. While limited to tropical locales, the bee hummingbird continues to amaze with its tiny stature.