Did You Know ? Bee Hummingbird

 

Did You Know – Bee Hummingbird

Did you know that the smallest bird in the world is the bee hummingbird? These tiny creatures are a wonder of nature and are found only in Cuba and the nearby Isla de la Juventud.  Bee hummingbirds are not just the smallest bird species in the world, but also one of the smallest warm-blooded vertebrates on Earth. They have a fast metabolism and a high heart rate to support their rapid wing movement. In this blog article, we will delve deeper into the fascinating world of the bee hummingbird and explore some of the most interesting facts about them.

Size and Appearance

The bee hummingbird, also known as the Mellisuga helenae, is truly a marvel of nature. These birds measure just 2.25 inches (5.7 centimetres) long and weigh less than a penny. The bee hummingbird's scientific name, Mellisuga helenae, was given in honour of the wife of John Gould, a renowned British ornithologist. The species was first described in 1850 by French naturalist Jules Bourcier. They are smaller than some species of bees, hence the name “bee hummingbird”. The males are slightly smaller than the females, with iridescent feathers on their head, throat, and back. They also have a long, thin beak that is perfectly suited for extracting nectar from flowers. The females, on the other hand, have duller feathers and lack the iridescent colouring of the males.

 Habitat and Behaviour

Bee hummingbirds are found only in Cuba and the nearby Isla de la Juventud, where they live in the forests, gardens, and meadows. They are highly adaptable birds and can thrive in a variety of habitats. Bee hummingbirds are known for their swift and agile movements, and their wings beat at a rapid rate of 80 times per second. Their wings are so fast that they produce a humming sound, hence the name "hummingbird". The sound is created by the movement of air around the wings, which is amplified by their small size. Fast movement of their wings allows them to hover in mid-air and dart from flower to flower in search of nectar. Bee hummingbirds are an important pollinator in their habitat. As they feed on nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the fertilization and reproduction of plant species.  Despite being the smallest bird species in the world, bee hummingbirds are also known for their long-distance migration. Some individuals have been recorded flying up to 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres) from their breeding grounds in Cuba to their wintering grounds in Central America.

Diet

As their name suggests, bee hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers. They are also known to eat insects, especially when they are feeding their young. Insects provide the necessary protein that young bee hummingbirds need to grow and develop properly.

 Breeding and Reproduction

Bee hummingbirds breed throughout the year, but the breeding season typically peaks from March to June. During this time, males perform an intricate mating dance to attract females. Once a female selects a mate, The male (Mate) builds a tiny cup-shaped nest made of soft plant fibers and spider webs, which is just big enough to hold the eggs and the female. The nest is so small that it is often mistaken for a knot on a branch. The female will lay one or two eggs, which she will incubate for 14 to 21 days. After hatching, the chicks will stay in the nest for about three weeks before they are ready to leave and fend for themselves. Bee hummingbirds have a unique breeding system where the male is responsible for building the nest and incubating the eggs. Once the eggs are laid, the female takes over the task of feeding and caring for the young. The male will continue to defend the territory and occasionally bring food to the female and chicks.

Threats and Conservation

Bee hummingbirds are considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, their population is threatened by habitat loss and climate change. As their habitat is destroyed, bee hummingbirds are forced to compete with other bird species for food and nesting sites. Climate change also poses a threat to these tiny birds, as it alters the timing of flowering and migration patterns.  In addition to being a wonder of nature, bee hummingbirds have also become a popular subject of study for scientists and researchers. Their unique physical characteristics and behaviours have led to important discoveries in fields such as aerodynamics, biomechanics, and genetics.

Conclusion 

Tthe bee hummingbird is a fascinating and unique bird that is found only in Cuba and the nearby Isla de la Juventud. Despite their small size, they are highly adaptable and agile, allowing them to thrive in a variety of habitats. However, they face threats from habitat loss and climate change, and it is important that we take steps to protect their habitat and ensure their survival for generations to come. Overall, the bee hummingbird is a remarkable bird species that continues to fascinate and inspire people around the world. Despite their small size, they play an important role in their ecosystem and are a testament to the wonders of nature.

Source – Public Domain