Hello dear ones,
Hummingbirds (Colibris) are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 3-5 in. (7.5-13 cm) range. They hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12-80 times per second (depending on the species).
To conserve energy while they sleep or when food is scarce, they have the ability to go into a hibernation-like state where their metabolic rate is slowed to 1/15th of its normal rate. When nights get colder, their body temperature can drop significantly and thus slow down their heart and breathing rate, thus burning much less energy overnight. As the day heats back up, the hummingbirds' body temperature will come back up and they resume their normal activity.
They can fly at speeds exceeding 34 mph (15 m/s; 54 km/h) they are also the only group of birds with the ability to fly back. Hummingbirds drink nectar, a sweet liquid inside certain flowers. Like bees, they are able to assess the amount of sugar in the nectar they eat; they reject flower types that produce nectar that is less than 10% sugar and prefer those whose sugar content is higher. Nectar is a poor source of nutrients, so hummingbirds meet their needs for protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. by preying on insects and spiders.
Hummingbirds will also take sugar-water from feeders. Such feeders allow people (like me) to observe and enjoy hummingbirds up close while providing the birds with a reliable source of energy, especially when flower blossoms are less abundant. White granulated sugar is the best sweetener to use in hummingbird feeders. Here is the recipe: A ratio of 1 Cup of Sugar to 4 Cups of Water. Boiling and the cooling this mixture before use has been recommended to help deter the growth of bacteria.
Hummingbirds (Colibris) are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 3-5 in. (7.5-13 cm) range. They hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12-80 times per second (depending on the species).
They can fly at speeds exceeding 34 mph (15 m/s; 54 km/h) they are also the only group of birds with the ability to fly back. Hummingbirds drink nectar, a sweet liquid inside certain flowers. Like bees, they are able to assess the amount of sugar in the nectar they eat; they reject flower types that produce nectar that is less than 10% sugar and prefer those whose sugar content is higher. Nectar is a poor source of nutrients, so hummingbirds meet their needs for protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. by preying on insects and spiders.
Hummingbirds will also take sugar-water from feeders. Such feeders allow people (like me) to observe and enjoy hummingbirds up close while providing the birds with a reliable source of energy, especially when flower blossoms are less abundant. White granulated sugar is the best sweetener to use in hummingbird feeders. Here is the recipe: A ratio of 1 Cup of Sugar to 4 Cups of Water. Boiling and the cooling this mixture before use has been recommended to help deter the growth of bacteria.
"If my love could be represented by a blur, it would be the beating of a hummingbird's wings."
~ Jarod Kintz
Can you tell that this are two different hummingbirds? The one below has red marks. Love them all!
Drink deeply of the nectar of life.
With love,
I'm joining . . .
Cindy for Show and Tell Friday
I finally have 2 coming this week to my yard. I went to the store and got a new feeder because I couldn't find my old one. Later, I found my old one so I have 2 out now. The ones I saw were the tiny ones.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post - lovely photos!
Great photo's of the hummingbirds.
ReplyDeleteDearest Wendy,
ReplyDeleteHummingbirds are such pleasures of summer...
Hugs to you,
Mariette
Lovely...I love hummingbirds too. The smallest and cutest of birds!!
ReplyDeleteWendy, I"m amazed that you were able to capture such wonderful photos of these little speed demons! I didn't know much about them, so I thank you for the education. I'm sending this link to my sister, who hangs a feeder out every summer for them. Very informative!
ReplyDeleteSooo sweet!
ReplyDeleteDear Wendy, I too am a hummingbird lover.
ReplyDeleteI have 5 feeders and now my Daughter is hooked on them.
Did you know the same ones come back every year,
Those baby wings fly 6000 miles to come and visit me.. yvonne
Dearest Wendy,
ReplyDeleteHappy belated (1 day) silver wedding anniversary!
Hugs,
Mariette