Hummingbird Characteristics and Beaks
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ScribdTranslationsHummingbird Characteristics and Beaks
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The hummingbird family contains the smallest of all birds; many
species measure less than 8 cm in length. The smallest species is the hummingbird
Cuban bee. Males are somewhat smaller than females, measuring about
5 cm and weigh only 1.95 grams. Despite their tiny size, the males of
this species, like many other hummingbirds, is fiercely
territorial. Hummingbirds are known for their rapid flight; their powerful flappings
they are so fast that they produce a buzz.
Characteristics
The family of the hummingbird contains the
the smallest of all birds;
many species measure less than 8
cm in length. The most species
the smallest is the bee hummingbird from Cuba.
Males are somewhat smaller.
that the females measure about 5 cm and
only 1.95 grams. Despite
its tiny size, the males of
this species, like those of
others many hummingbirds,
son
fiercely territorial.
Most of the hummingbirds
they exhibit bright colors and a green
iridescent, generally metallic.
Her throat is generally of
bright red, blue or green
emerald, although only in the
males. In a group of hummingbirds, the hermits, the plumage is fundamentally
brown in color, without iridescence. This group also differs from other hummingbirds in
which builds long hanging nests, often attached to huge leaves.
Nutrition
They feed on nectar and small insects that they find inside the
flowers and hover in the air in front of them as they introduce their long tongue and
extensible. To move away from the flowers, hummingbirds have to fly backward;
they are the only birds capable of performing that maneuver. The slender beaks of the
Hummingbirds vary in size and curvature depending on the size and shape of the flower.
favorite of each species.
Flight
Hummingbirds are known for their fast flight; their powerful flapping is so
fast ones that produce a buzz. They feed on nectar and small insects
what they find inside the flowers and hover in the air in front of them
while they introduce their long and extensible tongue. To move away from the flowers the
Hummingbirds have to fly backwards; they are the only birds capable of doing that.
maneuver. The slender beaks of hummingbirds vary in size and curvature in
function of the size and shape of the favorite flower of each species.
Distribution and habitat
Hummingbirds live in America, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. There is a
rich diversity in almost all of Central America, Colombia, and Ecuador.
particularly in Ecuador, the emerald hummingbird species is found among the
endemic species, unlike the other coexisting varieties. And they live in
birdhouses
Reproduction
To attract the female's interest, the male performs a dance. After
that the females have been fertilized, they build a small nest made of fabric
of spider, cotton, lichen, or moss. The nest is built in a low shrub.
The female lays two eggs over a period of two days and incubates them.
for 14 to 19 days. Then, the hummingbirds feed their young for about three
within four weeks. The female goes to the nest during this time up to 140 times a day
to feed their young.