History of... Hummingbird

Name:
Hummingbird

Scientific Name:
Apodiformes

Family:
Trochilidae

Conservation Status:
Vulnerable and endangered

Habitation:
Openings in the forest and forest edge, and so are readily drawn to suburban and rural gardens that offer a mix of tall trees, shrubs, and patches of meadow and lawn.

Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds on Earth, characterized by their rapid wing flapping and incredible hovering capabilities. some species can beat their wings up to 80 times per second.

There are over 300 species of hummingbirds which most can be found in South America and are primarily found in the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions.

They thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, deserts, and even urban areas with abundant nectar sources.

Hummingbirds species come in a wide variety of iridescent colorful plumage and Sizes.

They are capable of flying in all directions, including backward, hummingbirds have incredibly high metabolisms to sustain their energy-intensive flight.

Their diet comprises of the nectar from flowers and insects.

Don't be fooled by their delicate looking appearance, hummingbirds have some fierce behaviours when it comes to defending their territories and finding a mate.

Hummingbirds are known for their aggression, often chasing away larger birds from their feeding areas.

Most hummingbirds have unusually long lifespans for creatures with such rapid metabolisms. Though many die during their first year of life, especially in the vulnerable period between hatching and fledging, those that survive may occasionally live a decade or more

During mating season, male hummingbirds perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females, leading to the creation of intricately constructed nests for their offspring.

Male hummingbirds do not take part in nesting. Most species build a cup-shaped nest on the branch of a tree or shrub. Many hummingbird species use spider silk and lichen to bind the nest material together and secure the structure. The unique properties of the silk allow the nest to expand as the young hummingbirds grow.

Two white eggs are laid in the nest. Incubation lasts 14 to 23 days, depending on the species, ambient temperature, and female attentiveness to the nest. The mother feeds the chicks on insects and nectar.

Hummingbirds stay in the nest for 18–22 days, after which they leave the nest, although the mother may continue feeding them for another 25 days

But it's not all smooth flying for hummingbirds. They face challenges like extreme weather, habitat loss, and predators on their migration adventures.