Hummingbirds are native to the New World, meaning they are found exclusively in the Western Hemisphere. Despite their limited range, they are one of the most fascinating families of birds for enthusiasts around the world.
Renowned for their vibrant plumage and exceptional flying and hovering abilities, here are 15 fascinating facts about hummingbirds.
There are more than 350 species of hummingbirds found in the world, making them one of the most diverse and fascinating groups of birds. While only abut 15 species breed in the United States, up to 30 different species may visit during migration or in search of food. The majority of hummingbirds are native to Central and South America, with a significant number also residing in the Caribbean.
The brilliant throat colour of hummingbirds is caused by iridescence in the structure of their feathers. Tiny platelets within the feathers reflect and refract light, creating the vibrant colours we see. The colours can change depending on the angle of the light and the bird’s position, giving them a shimmering effect. This iridescence is also affected by moisture and environmental conditions, with humidity sometimes making the colours appear brighter. The colours are a result of light interacting with the feather structure, rather than pigments, making the display of hues unique to each bird.
Hummingbirds have under 1,000 feathers, the fewest of any bird species. By comparison, swans have around 25,000. This small number of feathers is a result of their compact size and the need for efficiency in flight. Despite having so few feathers, they are still able to maintain the agility and speed in flight.
Hummingbirds are unable to walk or hop, but their feet can be used to move sideways while perched. Their legs are structurally similar to those of other birds, but they much smaller and weaker. This adaptation helps keep the hummingbird light and agile, supporting its remarkable ability to fly.
The bee hummingbird, found only in Cuba, is the smallest of all hummingbirds, measuring just 5.7 cm in length and weighing less than 2 grams. In comparison, the average hummingbird weighs around 3 grams.
Hummingbirds have a high metabolism and need to consume about half of their body weight in sugar every day to fuel their rapid flight. To meet this demand, they feed approximately 5 to 8 times per hour, visiting flowers and feeders regularly.
Hummingbirds digest natural sucrose with remarkable efficiency, breaking it down in just about 20 minutes. They are able to convert approximately 97% of the sugar into usable energy, which is essential for maintaining their incredibly high metabolism. This rapid digestion allows them to fuel their constant, high-speed flight, enabling them to visit multiple flowers or feeders in quick succession and perform the intricate movements that define their unique flight abilities.
Hummingbirds don’t suck nectar through their long bills; instead, they use a forked, fringed tongue to lick it up. They can flick their tongue between 10 and 15 times per second while feeding. This rapid motion allows them to efficiently collect nectar from flowers, providing the energy they need to sustain their high metabolism. The forked tongue works by rapidly extending and contracting, drawing nectar into the bird’s mouth with each quick motion, making hummingbirds highly skilled at feeding from even the smallest flowers.
When resting, a hummingbird takes around 250 breaths per minute, and its heart beats about 1,200 times. This high heart rate and rapid breathing are necessary to maintain the bird’s high metabolic demands, even when not actively flying. During flight, both the heart rate and breathing rate increase dramatically to supply the muscles with the oxygen and energy needed for their incredible speed and agility.
Hummingbirds can fly at speeds of up to 30 mph in level flight, but when diving, they can reach speeds of up to 60 mph. While in flight, they flap their wings between 50 and 200 times per second, depending on the species and the type of flight. This rapid wingbeat allows them to hover in place and perform intricate aerial maneuvers. Hummingbirds are the only group of birds capable of flying backwards, a unique ability that allows them to retreat from flowers or feeders without having to turn around.
Hummingbirds lay the smallest eggs of any bird species, measuring just 1.2 to 1.4 cm, roughly the size of a jelly bean. Despite their tiny size, these eggs can make up as much as 10% of the mother’s body weight. This makes the process of egg production particularly energy-intensive for the female, who must gather enough resources to support both herself and the developing embryo.
Over a quarter of a hummingbird’s body weight is made up of its pectoral muscles, which are crucial for flight. These large, powerful muscles provide the lift that enables the hummingbird to hover, dart, and perform rapid maneuvers by controlling its wings.
Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds do have a sense of smell, although it is not as developed as that of some other birds. They rely more on their excellent eyesight, which is key to their ability to locate flowers and feeders. Their vision is highly adapted to detect the vibrant colours of flowers, particularly reds and oranges, which are often associated with nectar-rich plants.
The sword-billed hummingbird, native to the Andes, has an extraordinary bill that can grow up to 4 inches in length. This long, straight bill is perfectly suited for feeding on flowers with deep corollas, allowing the bird to access nectar that other hummingbirds cannot reach. Despite its impressive length, the sword-billed hummingbird’s bill is perfectly balanced by its small body, enabling it to hover and feed with remarkable precision.
Despite their small size, hummingbirds are among the most aggressive bird species and will fiercely defend their territory. They are known to regularly chase off much larger birds, such as jays, crows, and even hawks, that encroach on their space. Using their speed and agility, hummingbirds will dive at intruders and engage in high-speed chases to protect their feeding grounds and nesting areas.