Hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover in midair and lick nectar from flowers with their long, slender tongues. Their tongues are an integral part of their feeding process, allowing them to slurp up the sugary nectar that gives them energy. But have you ever wondered why hummingbirds sometimes stick their tongues out even when they aren’t feeding?
Tongue Structure
A hummingbird’s tongue is a marvel of nature. It consists of two tubes, which split from the tip and go along the edges. When retracted, the two tubes fold up and lay flat to fit inside the beak. But when extended, the tubes open into a two-pronged fork shape. On the end of each prong are fringed, straw-like tubes that allow the bird to lap up liquid.
The tongue has grooves on the top that collect nectar via capillary action. The nectar then moves back along the grooves to the base of the tongue so the hummingbird can swallow it. The tongue is so adept at nectar collection that a hummingbird can lap up liquid at a rate of 13 licks per second!
Why Stick the Tongue Out?
Hummingbirds stick their tongues out for a few different reasons:
1. Feeding
The most obvious reason hummingbirds extend their tongues is to feed on nectar from flowers. Their long tongues allow them to reach deep into tubular flowers where the nectar is held. When lapping up nectar, the hummingbird will stick its tongue fully in and out of its mouth at a rapid pace. This allows it to collect as much sweet nectar as quickly as possible.
2. Hydration
In addition to feeding on nectar, hummingbirds get water from sources like flower baths and streams. To drink, they simply dip their tongues repeatedly in the water. The water moves up the grooves in the tongue through capillary action and provides the hydration they need.
3. Capturing Insects
While nectar makes up the majority of their diet, hummingbirds also eat small insects for extra protein. They use their forked tongues much like a catcher’s mitt to snatch tiny insects like fruit flies or gnats out of the air.
4. Anting
Some hummingbirds will practice something called “anting.” This is where they stick their tongue into an ant colony and then wipe the ants on their feathers. It is thought that the formic acid from the ants may help keep their feathers clean and free of parasites.
5. Thermoregulation
Hummingbirds have high metabolisms and as a result, they produce excess body heat that has to be dissipated quickly. One method for doing this is by sticking out their tongues which allows for additional evaporative cooling. The evaporation helps lower their body temperature.
6. Communication
Hummingbirds can use their tongues to communicate. For example, during courtship displays, male hummingbirds may rapidly flick their tongues in and out of their beaks to signal interest to watching females.
When Do They Stick Their Tongues Out?
You’re most likely to see a hummingbird sticking its tongue out during these times:
- While feeding on nectar from flowers
- When drinking water
- During flight while catching insects
- During courtship displays
- When thermoregulating on a hot day
- When anting to clean their feathers
So next time you see a hummingbird’s tongue darting in and out, know there is a method behind this behavior!
Interesting Facts About Hummingbird Tongues
Here are some fascinating facts about hummingbird tongues:
- Their tongue is about 1/3 the length of their body
- The tongue splits into two tubes with fringed tips that collect nectar
- Grooves along the top of the tongue channel nectar to the back of the mouth
- Their slender tongue can reach deep into tubular flowers
- The tongue has tiny hair-like structures that help lap up nectar
- They can lick nectar up at an average of 13 licks per second
- Their tongue instantly curls up when retracted into the beak
- They have modified salivary glands that coat the tongue with sticky saliva
- Their tongue is covered in taste buds that detect sweetness in nectar
- Male hummingbirds can flick their tongues incredibly fast during courtship
Unique Adaptations
A hummingbird’s tongue has several unique evolutionary adaptations that allow it to efficiently feed on nectar:
| Adaptation | Description |
|---|---|
| Thin and forked shape | Allows the tongue to reach deep into tubular flowers and easily lap up nectar |
| Grooves on top | Channels liquid via capillary action to the back of the mouth for swallowing |
| Fringed tips | Maximizes the surface area that contacts the nectar to collect more |
| Rapid licking | Enables the bird to collect nectar quickly before flowers refill |
| Curls when retracted | Fits compactly in the narrow beak so it doesn’t take up unnecessary space |
| Flexible | Can bend and move easily to probe flowers |
This specialized tongue allows hummingbirds to exploit flower nectar as an energy source. It’s one of the key evolutionary innovations that enables their unique lifestyle.
Comparison to Other Birds
Hummingbird tongues are very different from the tongues of other birds:
| Hummingbird Tongue | Typical Bird Tongue | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Long, sometimes exceeding the length of the entire bird | Short, does not protrude much past the beak |
| Shape | Slender, forked into two tubes | Flat, paddle-shaped |
| Surface | Covered in hair-like structures and grooves | Smooth surface |
| Function | Specializes in nectar collection | Generalized for eating, drinking, etc. |
As you can see, the hummingbird tongue has specialized adaptations for feeding on nectar that other birds simply don’t require. Their unique tongue is what allows them to access their key food source.
Conclusion
A hummingbird’s tongue holds the secret to its survival. With a slender, forked tongue and rapid licking ability, hummingbirds can extract the nectar needed to power their high-energy lifestyles. next time you see a hummingbird’s tongue darting in and out of a flower, appreciate the fine-tuned adaptations that allow this behavior. The tongue extensions out of the beak may seem unusual at first, but are a normal part of the hummingbird’s feeding process and unique lifestyle. Without its specialized tongue, the hummingbird simply wouldn’t be able to thrive.
