Category: Hummingbirds

• The Bee Hummingbird is the smallest of all the hummingbird species as well as it being the smallest  bird in the world at only 2 1/4 inches long.
• The weight of the Bee Hummingbird is about the same as a dime.
• The Bee Hummingbird’s heart rate is the second fastest of all animals.
• The Bee Hummingbird has the fewest number of feathers of all birds.

As I have said before, just about anything can spark a possible topic for a post and this one is no different.  My niece is taking anatomy in college this semester and this got me to thinking about the anatomy of the hummingbird.  While I have discovered many interesting things about the hummingbird’s anatomy, this particular post will discuss the eyelids of the hummingbird.

It is interesting to note that the hummingbird has three eyelids.  A hummingbird has two regular eyelids which serve to block the light.  The third eyelid or Nictitating Membrane is clear and serves to protect the hummingbird’s eyes during flight. 

Anatomy is not a course in which I myself would have done well had I ever studied it in college.  Science was not my favorite subject, but nevertheless I am amazed and fascinated by how complex anatomy can be and that every organ or part serves a very specific function.  This is true in humans and in the creatures found in nature.

Many people are aware that hummingbirds like water, but you may be surprised to discover that hummingbirds prefer a moving water source.  This is easier to provide then you might think.  It can be done through the use of sprinklers, misters, fountains, water falls and drippers.  Hummingbirds often like to preen or fly through a moving water source as a way to bathe or cool themselves off.  

It will also help you attract more hummingbirds if the water source is kept clean and the water is fresh.  It is all so recommended that the water source is placed near nectar rich flowers, because this will help entice the hummingbirds to visit your yard. 

Why not try providing some of these various types of moving water sources as a way to help you attract the hummingbirds?  When I was growing up, my mom only had a fountain in the back yard as a source of water for the hummingbirds birds to use.  I don’t think that that it ever really occurred to my mom to use any of the other moving water sources listed above.  You can bet that if she were still alive today that I would be telling her about them and then watching even more hummingbirds flock to our yard,  

Here’s some information on the White-eared Hummingbird.  The information found here is not mine and comes from Hummingbirds.Net.  Since I did not write the information myself, I wish to give proper credit to the source from which the information came.

• These hummingbirds are found in high tropical mountains and they rarely breeding the U.S.
• With this species of hummingbird the male weighs slightly more then the female; on average the male will weigh 3.6 grams to the females weight of 3.2 grams.
• This species of hummingbird winters in the mountains of Mexico.
• The white-eared hummingbird has been observed in the following states: Arizona, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

While hummingbirds may seem quite fearless, it will take time for the hummingbirds to get used to you and come around you without fear.  Hummingbirds are such extremely tiny creatures that to them we humans must seem like giants.  As a result, we must prove to the hummingbirds that we will not harm them.  There are several things that you can do to help the hummingbirds feel more comfortable around you.

It is very important that your movements are very slow and deliberate, as you do not want your actions to scare the hummingbirds in any way whatsoever.  Establish a time where you can go out and sit with the hummingbirds on a daily basis, as this will get them comfortable with your presence.  It is also good to chance your feeders during the daylight hours because this will allow the hummingbirds the opportunity to know who is responsible for providing their food source.