Month: February 2009

The Lifespan of the Hummingbird

Although most hummingbirds are found in the wild there are some that live in captivity.  Those found in captivity are most likely found at zoos or aviaries.  Have you ever wondered if there is a difference in the lifespan of a hummingbird depending on where it lives?  If so, then I have the answer for you.

A hummingbird in captivity lives longer then those found in the wild.  A hummingbird in captivity has a lifespan of ten years or longer.  A hummingbird in the wild has an average lifespan of three to five years.

There are many expainations to help explain the differences in the length of lifespan.  Hummingbirds in capitity do not have to make long nigratory journeys and therefore their feathers are less likely to ware out as quickly.  These birds live in a safe and protected habitat so they don’t face preditors.  Also, their habitat is designed to provide the food and nurishment they require.  These same things can’t be said of hummingbirds found in the wild therefore they face many more hazzards and challanges throughout life.

Categories
Hummingbird Videos

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Lanscape

This video will ofer some tips on how to how to attract hummingbirds to your laandsape through the use of plants and also tells of the need to change the nectar solution in hummingbird feeders often.

Categories
Dear Mom

Injured Left Sholder

I have been  having pain in my left sholder for sometime now, so yesterday I went the doctor for a shot to help releave the pain.  Well, that was a big mistake!  Yes, I had the same shot before with great results, but this was a differnt doctor administering the shot.  The sholder hurts wose then ever before and I can’t use that arm.  I’m not sure if the shot hit a muscle or a nerve.  That is a very bad thing for someone who is in a wheelchair and depends on their arms like most people depend on their legs.  The pain was so bad yesteday that couldn’t even attempt to write a post.  In fact, I’m having to type this post with one hand.

I hope that this finds all of you doing well.  I just wanted to explain why their was no post yesterday.  I don’t know what the doctor’s office will say until  I am able to reach them about the matter.

 

Plain-capped Starthroat Hummingbird

The Plain-capped Starthroat Hummingbird is commonly found in Mexico and will rarely be known to visit southeast Arizona. The preferred habitats of this species of hummingbird include tropical deciduous forests, cottonwood-willow streamside forests, and oak woodlands.
 
This species of hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird with iridescent bronze-green upperparts and head, red throat, white face interrupted by black eye stripe, and pale gray under parts. It has a slightly notched tail that is bronze-green with white-tipped black terminal band.
 
The Plain-capped Starthroat Hummingbird is a nonmigratory species of hummingbird.
 

The Long-tailed Hermit Hummingbird

The Long-tailed Hermit Hummingbird has both a long curved bill and a long white tail. It also has a dark bronzy-brown crown (head) and body with a lighter chest and underside. The female of this species has a smaller wingspan than the male.
 
This hummingbird species is typically found in the lowland edges of tropical forests, especially along streams, from Mexico through Central America and into northern South America.
 
The nest of the Long-tailed Hermit Hummingbird may be found hanging palm leaf. Also, male Long-tailed Hermit Hummingbirds will group together for "communal singing" in "leks." For those of you who may not be aware, a “lek” is when a bunch of male hummingbirds, as many as 100, will get together and sing for the females. If a female appears to be interested in a particular male then he will dance for her. If the female likes the dance preformed by the male then they will mate.