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

Emu Smile

Funny photograph of an emu that appears to be smiling for the camera with text "Smile!". Text is customizable.

Smile Mousepad
by LivingLife
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Red Cardinals

Cardinals are a common bird found throughout North America and the Northern Cardinal is well known for the vibrant red plummage of the males.

Not so long ago, we shared some information with you regarding the Northern Cardinal, so just in case you missed it, you can find it here.

Carlee & Carlie Cardinal by BisforBirds
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Cliff Swallow

The Cliff Swallow is a bird which can be found in North and South America. It spends the winter in South America and migrates to North America in the summer months, where it breed in large colonies. On rare occasions, they can be found in Western Europe.

These small birds are known as Cliff Swallows as their nests are usually situated on the cliff face underneath an overhang.

Cliff Swallow Sticker
by mikes_photo_designs

Barn Owl and Barred Owl

The Barn Owl is the most common owl and one of the most widespread birds. It is often referred to as the Common Barn Owl. It is a nocturnal bird and usually becomes active just before dusk.

Little Owl Mouse Pad
by soyrwoo

The barred owl is often called the Hoot Owl as well as rain owl, wood owl and striped owl and can often be found in Canada, US and Mexico.

Barred Owl
by Artists4God

Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is a bird native to North America. It is predominantly blue in colour, hence its name, with a white chest and blue crest with a black border. It also has a black U-shaped collar around its neck.

Blue Jay by Ppeppermint

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Birds, Birds Everywhere

Did you know there are over 10,000 species of birds? Now that's a lot and far too many to mention here - that would be a job for an ornithologist! So, here are just two of the amazing birds that grace our skies.

The Cardinals are a family of birds in North and South America and are named after their red plummage. They are small birds, ranging in size from approximately 12 to 25 centimetres.

The Northern Cardinal can be found in southern Canada, eastern US, Mexico, Hawaii and Oahu. It has a distinctive crest on the head and a mask on the face. The male has vibrant red plummage with a black mask, while the female's plummage is a dull red-brown with a grey mask.

Cardinal on Cherry Blossom
by ArtformTheHeart

Macaws are part of the parrot family and are native to Mexico, Central and South America. At one time, they could be found in the Caribbean. While most people consider macaws to be large birds, there are some that are no larger than parakeets.

three macaws
by rhbrown

The Feathery "A" - American Avocet

The American Avocet is a wader bird, often called "blue shanks" because of its long, thin, grey-coloured legs. It has black and white feathers on its back and white on its belly. One of the interesting things about the American avocet is that in summer its neck and head are cinnamon coloured and in winter they are grey.

Blank Customizable Avocet Greeting Card 2
by mikes_photo_designs

Happy Ostrich by avisnoelledesigns at Zazzle

This goofy looking ostrich has the right idea...smile! If it doesn't make you want to at least smirk a little, then there's something wrong! You can change the text color by clicking on the little color square after hitting the customize button. Or delete the text or change it...play around!

Happy Ostrich, Smile!
by avisnoelledesigns

Dove of Peace by packratgraphics at Zazzle

White Dove

Flying white dove with cloudy background and peace symbol.

Dove Of Peace
by packratgraphics

Owl by idesigncafe at Zazzle

Owls

Owl coffee mugs with beautiful photo of an owl. Great owl themed gift you can give to anyone who enjoys nature and wildlife gifts or treat yourself! Customize this with some message text or leave it blank if you want.

Owl Gift Mug
by idesigncafe

Redhead Drake by north america at Zazzle

Redhead drake duk

A photograph of a beautiful redhead drakessitting on top of the water.

Redhead Drake (untitled)
by north_america
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Red-tailed Hawk by dgeneve at Zazzle

A greeting card featuring a close-up photograph of a Red-tailed Hawk.

Red-tailed Hawk 2 - Card
by dgeneve

Blue Peacock by ruralfrance at Zazzle

A portrait of a blue peacock with it's tail folded.

Blue peacock postcard
by ruralfrance
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Pink Flamingo by rdwnggrl at Zazzle

An absolutely stunning greeting card featuring a pink flamingo. Perfect for any occasion!

Pink Flamingo
by rdwnggrl