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Because of their rapid wing-movements required to sustain flight, hummingbirds contain the highest metabolism rate of all animals excluding insects. They are required to visit hundreds of flowers in order to maintain proper energy levels, consuming “more than their own weight in nectar” daily. (Wikipedia) This high metabolism makes hummingbirds all the more delicate, for they run the risk of starvation during sleep. A hummingbird's survival depends on a process known as torpor, or a state of hibernation, which decreases the the body temperature from 104 o F to 64 o F at night in order to conserve energy (Wikipedia).

 

 

 

Incredibly, despite their intricate bodily systems and tiny size, hummingbirds typically live an estimated 3-5 years, though some have been known to live over a decade. Through banding, a form of tracking by attaching a tag to the bird’s leg or wing, scientists have been able to track the lifespan of many species of birds. This technique allows recognition for the longest lifespan of a wild hummingbird recorded in history: 12 years (Wikipedia).

What makes the hummingbird so remarkable?  With incredibly high wing-flapping rates (up to 200 beats per second,) a uniquely high metabolism, and sophisticated motor skills, these tiny birds amuse many with their seemingly boundless energy. Like naturally born helicopters, hummingbirds set off in search for nectar with the ability to fly more than 34 mph. Their motor skills prove unique of any species as they reserve the ability to navigate spontaneously in any direction, including upside down, and hover in mid-air. (from Wikipedia)

 

With the typical hummingbird measuring in at about 3-5 inches and the smallest of all birds, the Bee Hummingbird reaching just two inches, it is a wonder how we humans have been able to capture the rituals of these miniscule beings given their rapid movements. (Wikipedia) High-tech cameras and migration tracking enable us a closer look.

Hummingbird Facts

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