The Bumblebee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is the smallest bird in the world, weighing less than 2 grams and measuring just over 5 centimeters long. As their name suggests, they are tiny, round, and fuzzy, resembling bumblebees as they hover and dart between flowers. These tiny birds live exclusively on the island of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea.
Range and Habitat
The Bumblebee Hummingbird is endemic to Cuba, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its small range is limited to the main island of Cuba and the surrounding cays. They inhabit forests, woodlands, and thickets from sea level up to elevations of around 1,600 meters.
Within their Cuban range, Bumblebee Hummingbirds tend to prefer areas with plenty of flowering plants and tubular blooms where they can find nectar. They are most abundant in gardens, along forest edges, and in areas with lots of shrubs and small trees. Some key habitats include:
- Coastal scrub
- Deciduous and pine forests
- Forest edges and clearings
- Coffee and cacao plantations
- Parks and gardens, especially those with flowering bushes
The species is present across Cuba but is considered rare in some regions like the far western end of the main island. The global population is estimated at just 2,500 to 10,000 mature individuals.
Migration
Unlike many northern hummingbird species that migrate long distances, the Bumblebee Hummingbird does not migrate. They are year-round residents on their small Caribbean island.
There is no need for them to migrate since Cuba has relatively stable, warm weather and adequate food resources all year. The average year-round temperature in their Cuban range is 25–28°C (77–82°F).
While they don’t leave the island, some local movements have been observed based on the flowering cycle. They may move short distances across their range following the blooming of preferred nectar plants.
Nesting
Bumblebee Hummingbirds build tiny cup-shaped nests out of plant down, spider webs, and lichens. The outer diameter of the nest is only about 5 centimeters wide.
Nests are constructed by the female and attached to thin branches in trees or scrubs, usually 2-4 meters above ground. Common nest sites include small trees, coffee bushes, and even clotheslines.
Females lay 2 pea-sized white eggs in the nest. They incubate the eggs alone for 14-23 days until they hatch. Once hatched, the chicks are fed by the female for around 20-26 days until they are ready to leave the nest.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, the Bumblebee Hummingbird feeds on floral nectar and tiny insects. Their main food source is nectar taken from a variety of colorful, tubular flowers using their specialized long bills and tongues.
Some of the flowers visited include:
- Hibiscus
- Bougainvillea
- Salvia
- Fuchsia
- Impatiens
- Plumbago
- Abutilon
In addition to nectar, the birds feed on small spiders and insects like flies, gnats, and aphids. The protein from insects is an essential part of their diet, especially during breeding.
Threats and Conservation Status
While the global population of Bumblebee Hummingbirds is considered stable, their tiny numbers and limited endemic range make them vulnerable. Key threats to their long-term survival include:
- Habitat loss from development, logging, and agriculture
- Competition or nest parasitism from other hummingbird species
- Potential impacts from climate change
- Natural disasters like hurricanes that can destroy habitat
Due to these threats, the species is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. There are currently no specific conservation actions targeted for the Bumblebee Hummingbird. General recommendations include habitat protection, responsible ecotourism, and more research on population sizes and threats.
Fun Facts
Here are a few fun and interesting facts about the tiny Bumblebee Hummingbird:
- Weighs less than a penny at just 1.6-1.9 grams
- Smallest bird in the world by mass
- Wings beat up to 80 times per second
- The only bird species endemic to Cuba
- Relatively long lifespan of 3-5 years
- Unique hibernation-like torpor to conserve energy
- Will perch to save energy when not feeding
- Primarily solitary, territorial birds
Conclusion
Found nowhere else in the world, the tiny Bumblebee Hummingbird is a Cuban jewel. Their entire global population resides on the main island of Cuba and surrounding cays where they inhabit forests, woodlands, plantations, and gardens. Though small and limited in range, Bumblebee Hummingbird populations remain relatively stable. However, habitat loss, competition, and climate change do pose threats to their future. Increased habitat protection and ecotourism awareness will help ensure the survival of these tiny, buzzing birds into the future.
