Image by marvinbla from Pixabay

Hummingbirds

About Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are a fascinating family of small, colourful birds known for their incredible flying abilities, rapid wingbeats, and remarkable energy.

They are famous for their rapid wingbeats, ranging from 50 to 80 beats per second, depending on the species. This allows them to hover in place and move in any direction, including backward, a unique ability among birds.

Hummingbirds can fly up to 60 mph during courtship displays or evading predators.

Their primary food source is nectar from flowers, which provides them with the necessary energy to support their high metabolism. A hummingbird must feed frequently—up to every 10-15 minutes—consuming about half its body weight in nectar daily.

Hummingbirds are known for their ability to hover in front of flowers while feeding. They do this by rotating their wings in a figure-eight pattern, allowing them to maintain a stationary position in the air.

Commonality of Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere, with almost half the species living in the "equatorial belt" between 10 degrees north and south of the equator. Fewer than two dozen species venture into the United States and Canada, and only a few remain year-round.

Protection & Threats

Many species of hummingbirds face threats from habitat loss, mainly due to deforestation and urban development. Climate change also poses a risk by altering the availability of nectar-producing plants and migration patterns.

Climate Change

Climate change will likely significantly impact hummingbirds through rapid alterations of natural landscapes. For instance, some hummingbird species live only at sea level (such as in the Bahamas), so a 1-metre rise could push them towards extinction.