altair
Astronomer
Posts: 124
Likes: 133
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Post by altair on Apr 25, 2023 19:11:55 GMT -5
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, with some species measuring only 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) in length. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards, as well as hover in mid-air for extended periods of time. Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any bird species. Hummingbirds can consume up to twice their body weight in nectar per day to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. Hummingbirds have excellent eyesight and can see a wider range of colors than humans, including ultraviolet light. Hummingbirds are important pollinators for many flowering plant species, and are often attracted to brightly-colored, nectar-rich flowers. Hummingbirds have a unique ability to thermoregulate their body temperature, which allows them to survive in a variety of environments, from the high altitudes of the Andes to the hot, humid jungles of Central America. Hummingbirds are known for their territorial behavior and can become aggressive towards other birds, including other hummingbirds, that encroach on their feeding and nesting territories.
What are some other hummingbird facts?
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Post by ZandraJoi on Apr 27, 2023 10:34:28 GMT -5
altair, Those are great facts! We only have the Ruby-throated here in Michigan. They say the Rufous & Anna's can be found here but I haven't seen nor heard of anybody who has saw them. The name, hummingbird, comes from the humming noise their wings make as they beat so fast.
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Post by Steve on Apr 27, 2023 19:39:45 GMT -5
They are definitely amazing creatures!
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Post by Bob on Apr 28, 2023 18:36:01 GMT -5
I've seen the Ruby-throated hummingbird. Fascinating creatures!
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Post by lainee on May 6, 2023 16:44:57 GMT -5
Beautiful creatures and these are interesting & amazing facts! Some of them I didn't know:-)
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Post by ZandraJoi on May 12, 2023 7:40:11 GMT -5
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Post by Bob on May 12, 2023 17:37:22 GMT -5
Didn't know some of them.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Mar 14, 2024 11:31:44 GMT -5
www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/attracting-hummingbirds/hummingbird-feather"A hummingbird feather is so colorful and iridescent. These birds sparkle in the sunlight. Find out what makes their feathers look so spectacular...." My notes: Have you always wondered this? The answer: "When we look at an Anna’s or ruby-throated hummingbird, for example, we’re not really seeing green pigment on their back feathers or red pigment on their throat feathers. Instead, those are structural colors. The feather itself is just dull and dark, but it’s covered with transparent layers of particular shapes that operate like a prism. They bend the light and reflect back only certain colors. This is why the colors can seem to change, too. Those red throat feathers may look orange, gold or even green, depending on the angle of the light...." altair, Steve, Bob, lainee,
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Post by Steve on Mar 14, 2024 15:05:38 GMT -5
I've known this since grade school but I just love watching hummingbirds!
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Post by Bob on Mar 14, 2024 16:46:45 GMT -5
I heard this too. Still interesting to read it.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Mar 28, 2024 19:07:54 GMT -5
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Post by Bob on Mar 30, 2024 16:07:24 GMT -5
That's cool! Other animals can see colors humans can't.
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