Featured below are 50 different species of hummingbirds that I have photographed in the US, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Let’s explore the mysteries surrounding this unique occasion.
The first Saturday of September is National Hummingbird Day! Established in 1996 by birding enthusiast Penny Elliston, National Hummingbird Day arrives on the first Saturday of September each year with a gentle flap of iridescent wings. With the intention of encouraging communities to take up hummingbird conservation, Elliston established this day in order to increase public awareness of the significance of these birds in ecosystems.
For many different plants, hummingbirds are essential pollinators. Their heads touch the reproductive organs of the flower as they drink nectar, which helps to transfer pollen and aid in fertilization.
Hummingbirds are a symbol of love, beauty, and resiliency in many civilizations. Since they can fly backward and hover, many people see them as representations of flexibility and timelessness.
Hummingbirds’ fast wingbeats, amazing flying prowess, and glittering colors make them intriguing to watch. They push the boundaries of our understanding of the physiology and behavior of birds.
Hummingbird-attracting native flower and shrub plantings can serve as a celebration and conservation tool. Hummingbird magnets include plants like salvia, trumpet vine, and bee balm.
National Hummingbird Day is a celebration, but it also raises awareness of the difficulties that these birds encounter. Hummingbird populations may be threatened by pesticide use in gardens, habitat loss, and climate change. On this day, a lot of groups stress how important it is to support conservation efforts, lessen pesticide use in gardens, and create habitats that are hummingbird-friendly.
Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating animals in the natural world because of their iridescent feathers and quick wing beats. These little powerhouses, which are frequently no bigger than the palm of your hand, do aerial gymnastics that are unparalleled in the avian realm. Let’s explore the fascinating world of these amazing birds.
The first thing that captures our attention when observing a hummingbird is undoubtedly its dazzling plumage. These feathers can reflect sunlight in a prism of colors, producing hues that seem almost otherworldly. This shimmering effect results from microscopic platelets in the feathers that refract light, rather than from pigments.
Hummingbirds generally range in size from 7.5 to 13 cm in length. The Bee Hummingbird, found in Cuba, is the smallest bird species in the world, weighing a mere 2 grams. They possess a long, specialized bill that aids in extracting nectar from deep within flowers. Their tongue is tube-shaped, allowing them to lap up nectar efficiently.
Beyond their radiant colors, hummingbirds boast some of the most specialized adaptations in the bird world. Their uniquely ball-and-socket jointed wings allow for a full 180-degree range of motion. This evolutionary feature enables them to hover in mid-air by flapping their wings in a figure-eight pattern, a capability few other birds possess.
Hummingbirds lead lives of ceaseless activity. Their wings can beat up to 80 times per second, and their hearts can race at an astonishing 1,200 beats per minute. Such rapid movement requires a tremendous amount of energy.
To sustain this high-energy lifestyle, hummingbirds consume up to half their body weight in food daily. Their primary energy source? Nectar. This sugary fluid provides them with the fast-burning fuel needed for their turbo-charged lives. But nectar alone isn’t enough. Hummingbirds also snack on insects and spiders for essential proteins, vitamins, and fats.
With such a high metabolism, these birds are constantly on the edge of starvation. Remarkably, they can slow their metabolic rate at night, entering a state akin to hibernation called torpor. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy when food is scarce.
While hummingbirds consume nectar for energy, they also eat insects and spiders for proteins, fats, and other essential nutrients. Thus, they play a role in controlling the populations of these small creatures.
Conversely, hummingbirds are prey for various animals, including larger birds, spiders, praying mantises, and even some species of fish that can catch them as they skim over water. Their presence supports the diets of these predators.
BY THE NUMBERS
The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) recognizes 366 species of hummingbirds, spread across 112 genera. The greatest diversity of hummingbirds is found in Central and South America
- Stanislaus County 6 recorded species,
- Central Valley – 7 species,
- California – 14 recorded species,
- Lower 48 states – 24 recorded species,
- North America – 131 recorded species,
- Americas – 366 known species
PHOTO GALLERY
All images © Jim Gain
Reflections of the Natural World 