Table of Contents

Hummingbirds

Brightly colored birds

Hummingbirds are small, brightly colored birds found in the Americas. 1)

Hover mid-air

They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air and fly backward, as well as their extremely high metabolism and rapid wing beat. 2)

The smallest birds in the world

Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, with some species weighing less than a penny. 3)

Fast flying

They can fly at speeds of up to 25-30 mph, and their wings can beat up to 200 times per second. 4)

Feeding

Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers and also eat insects and spiders for protein. 5)

Extracting nectar

They have long, thin beaks and tongues that they use to extract nectar from flowers. 6)

Pollinators

Hummingbirds are important pollinators, as they transfer pollen from flower to flower while feeding. 7)

Variety of habitats

Hummingbirds are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and gardens. 8)

Migration

Some species of hummingbirds migrate long distances, traveling from the United States to Central or South America for the winter. 9)

Solitary birds

Hummingbirds are solitary birds and do not form flocks. 10)

Territorial

They are known for their territorial behavior and will defend their feeding areas aggressively. 11)

Hibernation

Hummingbirds have the ability to enter torpor, a state of reduced metabolic activity, at night to conserve energy. 12)

Nests

Most species of hummingbirds build nests out of plant fibers, moss, and other materials, and lay only two eggs at a time. 13)

Symbols of joy and beauty

Hummingbirds are popular symbols of joy and beauty and are often depicted in art and literature. 14)

300 species

There are over 300 species of hummingbirds, found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. 15)