Some hummingbird species are endangered. These tiny, fragile birds are only a few inches long, and their eggs are smaller than a jelly bean.
Check for Nests Before Trimming Trees and Shrubs: Hummingbird eggs are tiny, about the size of jelly beans. Always carefully check for nests before you trim trees and shrubs to avoid disturbing them.
Critically Endangered Species: 34 hummingbird species (10%) are listed as “critically endangered,” meaning they have a 50/50 chance of extinction within the next ten years. Spotting their tiny nests while pruning is essential for their survival.
Nesting Habits: According to The Hummingbird Project, hummingbirds typically build their nests on a branch with a downward slant, often over running water or open space. Their nests are made from spider webs, lichen, and plant matter, making them extremely delicate. The lichen also helps camouflage their nests.
Wing Beats: Hummingbirds flap their wings between 50-80 beats per second, making them appear as a blur to the human eye. You usually only see their wings clearly when the video is slowed down or when the hummingbird is landing.
Metabolism and Feeding: Hummingbirds have a rapid metabolism, causing their weight to change drastically throughout the day as they eat and burš energy. They consume anywhere between half to eight times their weight in sugar daily, feeding 5-8 times per hour. That’s a significant portion of their waking day spent feeding!
Heart Rate: A hummingbird’s heart can beŠ°t over 1,200 times per minute. For comparison, the average human heart beŠ°ts around 80 times per minute. This means that for every beŠ°t of a human heart, a hummingbird’s heart beats 20 times.
By understanding these fascinating details about hummingbirds, we can better appreciate their delicate nature and the importance of protecting their habitats.