Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are fascinating little birds, known for their tiny size, speckled feathers and incredible air speed. With wings that beat faster than those of any other bird, up to 90 times per second, hummingbirds have been clocked at speeds of 60 mph or more when diving.
Hummingbirds have a unique anatomy that allows them to hover in mid-air and change direction quickly. The birds stand out with iridescent feathers ranging from green and red to blue and purple, depending on the species. Bodies vary in size from the smallest of hummingbird species, the bee hummingbird at 2 inches, to the Giant Hummingbird of South America at 8.5 inches.
These birds consume a whopping amount of food relative to their size. During their active periods, like breeding and migration, they can consume up to two times their body weight in a single day, eating mostly nectar and small insects. Despite their remarkable ability to consume large amounts of food, they still spend a great amount of time sleeping - up to 18 hours in some cases - and usually go into great sort of hibernation when theyre not active.
Hummingbirds play a vital role in the pollination of flower specimens, relying on the nectar for their own sustenance while their feathers pick up and deposit in their travels. In this way, these birds are responsible for the growth of plants needed for the ecosystem to thrive.
Hummingbirds have an interesting relationship with humans, often appearing friendly and approachable. This boldness makes them easy to watch and observe and its no surprise that theyve become objects of admiration for bird watchers around the world. There are about 300 species of hummingbird, each of which is unique in shape, color and behavior.
Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny and mesmerizing birds that are found all over the world. Though they may be small, they play a key role in the ecosystem, and we can appreciate them both for their beauty and their function.
