Hummingbirds
Family Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with iridescent feathers. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second) that they make a humming noise. Hummingbirds can fly right, left, up, down, backwards, and even upside down. They are also able to hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern. They have a specialized long and tapered bill that is used to obtain nectar from the center of long, tubular flowers. The hummingbird’s feet are used for perching only, and are not used for hopping or walking.
Length 1.75-8 inches
Weight .08 -.7 ounces
Heart rate 1,260 beats per
minute
Lifespan 4 years
Diet
Flower nectar, tree sap, insects and pollen.
The hummingbird’s
fast breathing rate, fast heartbeat and high body temperature require that they
eat often. They also require an enormous amount of food each day.
Hummingbirds also have a long tongue which they use to lick their food at a rate
of 13 licks per second.
Population
It is difficult to estimate population numbers since there are many different species spanning a large geographic area.
Range
Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere, from southeastern Alaska to southern Chile, although most live in the tropics. There are 320 species of hummingbirds, 12 of which summer in North America and winter in tropical areas.
Behavior
Like other birds, hummingbirds communicate via visual displays. Hummingbirds are very territorial and have been observed chasing each other and even larger birds such as hawks away from their territories.
Reproduction
Gestation 13-22 days
Clutch Size Between 1-3 eggs.
The young start to fly in 18 to 30 days.
Threats
Historically, hummingbirds were killed for their feathers. Today, habitat loss and destruction are the hummingbird’s main threats.
Legal Status/Protection
*Migratory Bird Treaty Act, **Endangered Species Act - The hook-billed hermit hummingbird is the only hummingbird species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
*The Migratory Bird Treaty Act implements various treaties and conventions between the U.S. and Canada, Japan, Mexico and the former Soviet Union for the protection of migratory birds. Under the Act, taking, killing or possessing migratory birds is unlawful.
** The Endangered Species Act requires the US federal government to identify species threatened with extinction, identify habitat they need to survive, and help protect both. In doing so, the Act works to ensure the basic health of our natural ecosystems and protect the legacy of conservation we leave to our children and grandchildren.
How You Can Help
- Help hummingbirds and other wildlife by adopting a hummingbird today at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
- Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.
For additional information
The Hummingbird Society
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