The Bee Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world and can only be found in Cuba. Despite its tiny size, the Bee Hummingbird plays an important role in its ecosystem as a pollinator of various plants and flowers. Understanding where this unique bird lives provides insights into its biology and conservation needs.
Geographic Range
The entire global population of the Bee Hummingbird is confined to the main island of Cuba. Within Cuba, the hummingbird occupies an area of about 15,000 square kilometers in appropriate habitats across the western and central regions of the country. Its geographic range extends approximately 660 kilometers east to west, and 130 kilometers north to south across the island.
Some key areas where the Bee Hummingbird can be found include:
– Western Cuba in the provinces of Pinar del Río and Artemisa.
– Parts of Havana province near the coast.
– Matanzas province along the northern coastline.
– Parts of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spíritus provinces in the central region of Cuba.
– Small pockets in Ciego de Ávila province.
The species is absent from significant portions of eastern Cuba. It can be locally common in appropriate scrub and woodland habitats within its Cuban range.
Preferred Habitats
The Bee Hummingbird occupies a variety of habitats across its range, typically wherever there are sufficient flowers providing nectar. Key habitat types used by the species include:
– Coastal scrubs and thickets. This habitat is dominated by small trees, shrubs, and vines and found near seashores.
– Inland scrubs. Similar to coastal scrubs but away from the coastline. Allows the hummingbird to occupy drier areas.
– Forest edges and clearings. Natural gaps in tropical forests with flowers.
– Parks and gardens. The hummingbird readily visits flowering ornamental plants.
– Plantations. Such as citrus groves and other agricultural areas providing nectar.
Within these habitats, the Bee Hummingbird requires flowers, shrubs, and small trees that provide nectar for foraging. A habitat without adequate nectar supplies cannot support the species.
Elevation Range
The Bee Hummingbird is generally found at elevations from sea level up to around 1,600 meters in Cuba’s mountainous areas.
Some key facts about the elevation range include:
– Most commonly found below 500 meters elevation near the coast.
– Occurs at higher densities in the lowlands compared to higher elevation sites.
– Regularly found up to elevations of 1,000 meters in many inland areas.
– Only small populations occupy mountain forests at 1,400-1,600 meters elevation.
At higher elevations, patches of appropriate flowering vegetation get scattered and isolated. This likely limits the hummingbird’s distribution compared to the lowlands. But the species appears able to tolerate cooler temperatures found at higher elevations during parts of the year.
Climate Conditions
The species occupies tropical and subtropical climates across its Cuban range. Key climate factors influencing where the Bee Hummingbird can live include:
– Temperature – The hummingbird has a broad temperature tolerance. Average yearly temperatures across its range are around 22–25°C.
– Rainfall – Annual rainfall averages 1,000–2,000 mm across the range. Reliable rainfall is needed to support flower/nectar production.
– Humidity – Average humidity ranges 65–90%. Cuba has a moist, humid climate.
– Habitat – Coastal and lowland climates favor dense vegetation used by the hummingbird.
– Disturbance – Hurricanes may temporarily impact habitat, but vegetation regrows. Climate changes could alter distributions.
The Bee Hummingbird appears well-adapted to Cuba’s current subtropical climate and would have difficulty thriving in colder or drier conditions. But its small size helps it take advantage of small habitat patches and variable conditions within its range.
Population and Conservation Status
The global population of the Bee Hummingbird is estimated at around 1,500-2,500 mature individuals. Its population trend may be slowly declining but the species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Some key population and conservation details:
– The species has a very small global population size, making it vulnerable to threats.
– Most of the population resides in protected areas like national parks. This provides some habitat protection.
– Habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species are potential threats to the hummingbird’s limited range.
– Parts of the range are impacted by tourism, development, and agriculture.
– Conservation actions focus on habitat management and reducing threats within key protected areas.
– Increased habitat protections and ecological restoration could improve the population trajectory.
– Ongoing monitoring of populations will help guide future conservation efforts.
Conclusion
In summary, the tiny Bee Hummingbird is endemic to Cuba and can be found across roughly 15,000 square kilometers of the main island. The species occupies coastal and inland scrublands providing adequate flowers and nectar sources from sea level up to 1,600 meter mountain elevations. Most of the global population resides within a network of protected areas. While the hummingbird’s limited range and small population size pose conservation concerns, management efforts are underway to secure its long-term survival in Cuba. The Bee Hummingbird serves as an important national symbol and focus of ecotourism for Cuba.
