|
|
 |
Hummingbirds are tiny birds that can fly forwards and also
hover in mid-air. They are called hummingbirds because when
they fly, their wings often make a humming sound. Their tiny
wings beat about 55 to 75 times each second! The average life
span of a hummingbird is 3 years. Many hummingbirds migrate
to find food during the cold winter. |
The
biggest hummingbird is the Giant Hummingbird of South America;
it weighs 20 grams. The smallest hummingbird (and also the
smallest bird) is the Bee Hummingbird, which is about the size
of a bee! Most hummingbird's feet and legs are so small
that they cannot walk or even hop; hummingbirds mostly use
their legs and feet for perching (but the toes and claws are
very long, and are used for perching). Hummingbirds are almost
helpless on the ground. |
|
Diet:
Hummingbirds sip sweet nectar from flowers and eat some tiny
bugs. They use their long tongue to lap up nectar.
|
 |
Habitat
and Shelter:
Hummingbirds make their tiny nests from lichens, spider webs,
and plant down (fluffy seed coverings). Hummingbirds are
native to the Americas. Hummingbirds can be seen in many
gardens in Georgia. You might even find one in your
backyard! |
|
 |
Predators:
Many animals prey upon hummingbirds, including many other
birds, like orioles, roadrunners, hawks, and flycatchers.
Hummingbirds can also die when they are caught in spider webs. |
|
|
