10 fascinating facts about hummingbirds: Nature’s tiny wonders

Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating birds in the world. Found only in the Americas, these tiny creatures are known for their vibrant colors, rapid wing movement, and remarkable agility.

They inhabit a wide range of environments, from deserts to high-altitude regions, adapting well to diverse climates. Despite their resilience, many hummingbird species are under threat due to habitat loss and environmental changes. Some are considered critically endangered, highlighting the need for conservation efforts. Protecting these birds helps preserve biodiversity, supports healthy ecosystems, and ensures that future generations can continue to marvel at their unique beauty and extraordinary abilities.

1. There are over 360 hummingbird speciesHummingbirds are incredibly diverse, with more than 360 known species across the Americas. While North America hosts familiar species like the Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds, most species are concentrated in tropical regions, particularly the northern Andes. Ecuador alone is home to around 130 species, making it a biodiversity hotspot for these tiny birds. Some species, like the Lucifer Hummingbird, have small ranges, while others, such as the Berylline Hummingbird, occasionally wander beyond their usual habitats.

2. Hummingbirds have incredible memory

Hummingbirds are remarkably intelligent and possess exceptional spatial memory. They can remember feeder locations for years and track which flowers they’ve visited, along with bloom peaks and nectar refilling rates. This ability is due to a large hippocampus, the brain region responsible for learning and memory. Such memory ensures they avoid empty flowers, optimising energy intake throughout the day.3. They visit hundreds of flowers dailyWith their high metabolism, hummingbirds feed almost constantly.

For instance, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird can visit over 1,000 flowers in a single day, consuming up to half its body weight in nectar. Flowers are their primary food source, but this constant activity also makes them essential pollinators, aiding thousands of plant species, including wildflowers that stabilise soil after natural disturbances like landslides or fires.4. Tiny yet mighty: The smallest birds in the world

The Bee Hummingbird, endemic to Cuba, is the smallest bird globally, measuring just 2 inches and weighing around 1.6 grams, lighter than a dime! Other tiny species include Ecuador’s Esmeraldas Woodstar and the Frilled Coquette.

Conversely, the Giant Hummingbird of the Andes reaches up to 8 inches long, while the Sword-billed Hummingbird boasts a bill almost half its length. This size variation highlights the incredible diversity among hummingbirds.5. New species are still being discoveredHummingbird research continues to uncover new species. The Blue-throated Hillstar, discovered in 2017, is estimated to number fewer than 1,000 individuals in southwestern Ecuador. Some species, like the Blue-bearded Helmetcrest, were unseen for decades until rediscovered in Colombia.

Others, such as the Turquoise-throated Puffleg, remain largely elusive. These discoveries underscore the need for continued conservation efforts.6. Heartbeats that defy belief

Hummingbirds’ heart rates are astonishingly fast. The Blue-throated Mountain-gem can reach 1,260 beats per minute, while Costa’s Hummingbird beats between 500 and 900 times per minute. To conserve energy during cold nights or periods of inactivity, hummingbirds can enter a state of torpor, slowing their heart rate to as low as 50 beats per minute, a survival strategy unique to these high-energy birds.7. Wing beats and flight abilityHummingbirds beat their wings 60 to 80 times per second, creating the humming sound from which they get their name. Their flexible shoulder joints allow 180-degree rotation, enabling hovering and even backward flight. This agility makes them some of the most skilful flyers in the avian world.8. Hummingbirds cannot walkUnlike most birds, hummingbirds cannot walk. They can perch or scoot sideways but rely entirely on flight for movement.

Belonging to the order Apodiformes, meaning “footless,” their tiny feet reduce drag during flight, making them highly aerodynamic and perfectly adapted to their aerial lifestyle.9. Incredible migratory journeys

Many hummingbirds undertake astonishing migrations. The Calliope Hummingbird, the smallest long-distance migratory bird, travels over 5,000 miles annually. The Rufous Hummingbird covers nearly 3,900 miles. Even the Ruby-throated Hummingbird completes a nonstop 500-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico in under a day, demonstrating unmatched endurance for its size.10. Hummingbirds once existed in EuropeToday, hummingbirds are exclusive to the Americas, but fossil evidence shows they lived in Europe around 30 million years ago. The oldest hummingbird fossil, discovered in Germany in 2004, highlights the birds’ long evolutionary history and raises questions about why they disappeared from Europe.Also read | 10 animals with the longest tails: Know their lengths and function