H is for Hummingbirds

What do you know about hummingbirds? Today, we will share five simple facts about these sweet little birds.

Why are they called hummingbirds?
Simply they got their name due to the sound created when they beat their wings - it sounds like humming. Nothing scientific or too difficult about this one. Perhaps the person who first called them hummingbirds was also responsible for naming the red back spider or the brown snake?

On a more serious note, hummingbirds can beat their wings 60 to 200 times per second, which creates the humming sound, which is also known as a wing whistle.

Hummingbird on Zinnias Poster by Bebops

How small are hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are one of the smallest birds in the world and can range in size from 5cm to 13 cm. In fact, the smallest bird in the world belongs to the hummingbird family and is known as the bee hummingbird which can be found in the forests of Cuba.

Hummingbird Mousepad by ingasi

Can they fly backwards? 
Yes they can! Hummingbirds are the only birds which can fly backwards and they can also hover mid-air. As mentioned previously they can beat their tiny wings a large number of times a second which means they have the ability to hover quite easily. They will often hover while they gather nectar from flowers as their main source of food.

Hummingbird and Flowers Postcard by funnaturephotography

Do hummingbirds hibernate? 
Hummingbirds have a very high metabolic rate, which allows them to beat their wings so quickly. However, at night they are able to lower their metabolic rate as they are at rest and they are also able to do this when food is not available. It is a hibernation-like state and it is known as torpor.

Blue Hummingbird Photo Posters by funnaturephotography

What do hummingbirds eat?
Well, I did actually answer that above so I actually gave you the answer before asking the question, but just in case you have forgotten already, they eat nectar and are known as nectarivores. They primarily take the nectar from flowers which are red, orange and bright pink - but they will take the nectar from flowers in other colors too. One way to attract hummingbirds to your garden if you live in an area where they are is to plant red colored flowers. Due to the need for energy to flap their little wings, they tend to consume at least half their weight in sugar each day - wow!

Tropical Hummingbird and Flower Posters by funnaturephotography
See other Hummingbird Posters at zazzle