Hummingbird
Hummingbird
Hummingbird (/ˈhʌmɪŋbɜːrd/) is a type of bird known for their ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings. They are the smallest bird species and are native to the Americas.
Etymology
The term "hummingbird" is derived from the humming noise their wings make as they beat so fast. The first known use of the term dates back to the 1630s.
Anatomy
Hummingbirds are known for their small size, with most species measuring 7.5–13 cm (3–5 in) in length. The smallest extant bird species is a hummingbird, the 5 cm (2.0 in) bee hummingbird. They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12–80 times per second (depending on the species). They also have a specialized long and straight beak which is used to extract nectar from the center of long, tubular flowers.
Diet
Hummingbirds primarily eat flower nectar, tree sap, insects and pollen. The hummingbird's fast breathing rate, high heart rate, and high body temperature require that they eat often. They also require an enormous amount of food each day.
Habitat
Hummingbirds are native to the Americas, and can be found from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. Some species are strongly migratory, spending the winter in Mexico or Central America.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hummingbird
- Wikipedia's article - Hummingbird
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