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All About Hummingbirds 

 Originally Written: July 31, 2013

By  Hanna Trafford

I have been finding out information about what is usually referred to as “the flying jewels” – hummingbirds. I love those little guys and have been trying to do whatever I can to attract them to my garden. I have already written information about hummingbirds, and hope that it was and will be helpful to all who have the same interest. You can check out

All About Hummingbirds Website

  • There are over 325 species of hummingbirds , about 24 of them  visit north America but only 8 regularly breed in the United States
  • Hummingbirds cannot hop or walk, but they know how to scoot sideways when they are perched
  • A hummingbirds has 1000-1500 feathers and that is the fewest number of any bird species in the world
  • Average hummingbird weighs 3 grams – in comparison, a nickel weighs 4.5 grams
  • They are fast – maximum speed they travel in is 30 miles an hour, but they can reach up to 60 miles an hour when in a dive
  • Hummingbirds have the smallest eggs of all bird species – they measure about ½ inch but represent about 10% of mother’s weight at the time the eggs are laid
  • Hummingbirds need to consume about ½ of its body weight in sugar every day – the average hummingbird will feed 5-8 times every hour
  • Their wings beat very, very fast – between 50 – 200 flaps per second, depending on the direction of their flight and wind conditions
  • Their heart beats equally fast – more than 1200 beats per minute
  • When they rest, they breathe fast as well – hummingbird takes an average of 250 breaths per minute
  • When migrating, they take very long flights – the rufous hummingbird makes the longest trip – more than 3000 miles from nesting grounds in Alaska and Canada to his winter habitat in Mexico
  • The ruby throated hummingbird flies 500 miles non stop across the Golf of Mexico both in spring and fall migration
  • The life span on hummingbirds depends on the species, habitat conditions, predators and other factors – but the average is 3 – 12 years
  • Hummingbirds have no smell, but they do have a very good eyesight
  • You may think they suck the nectar with their beaks – but they actually use their tongues, which are forked shaped
  • A hummingbird can lick 1-15 times per second while feeding
  • Hummingbirds digest natural sucrose in 20 minutes with 97% efficiency of converting sugar into energy
  • Many hummingbird species can breed together to create hybrid species – that is what makes them so hard to identify
  • The hummingbird peak migration period is from mid-July through August or early September, depending on their route
  • Despite of their size, hummingbirds are one of the most aggressive bird species and often attack jays, crows and hawk who are infringing on their territory
  • Hummingbirds are not found in the western hemisphere

Do you want to find out how to attract hummingbirds to your garden? Check out this link:

How to attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden

 

Hope you found this information interesting and remember to send in your comments and suggestions – your input is always welcomed and very much appreciated

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanna Trafford


Hanna is the mother of two grown sons Dan and Dusan Nedelko, and is also the Grandmother to Jax, Cohen and Mila. She is the lead editor of Mama Knows and is hoping to create an exchange of communications with other grandmothers, mothers and daughters - giving everyone the opportunity to learn and share about everything that is "Mama"

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  • Hi Mamma,

    I like your website 🙂

    I beleive the last statement is incorrect “Hummingbirds are not found in the western hemisphere”

    Should read “Hummingbirds are not found in the eastern hemisphere” or “Hummingbirds are not found outside the western hemisphere”

    They only live in the new world.

    Take care,

    Mike

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