Mom, guess what? A hummingbird has a very high metabolic rate. I have discovered some very interesting things about this that I think you would have enjoyed knowing, because you always enjoyed interesting bits of trivia or facts. Since I can’t share them with you personally I will honor your memory and fun loving nature by sharing this information with others.
- The high metabolic rate of the hummingbird is necessary in order for the hummingbird to be able to achieve hovering flight.
- A hummingbird’s metabolism is approximately 100 times that of an elephant. Wouldn’t it be nice if we humans could have that metabolism?
- At night the hummingbird will strive to maintain its resting metabolic rate, and the hummingbird may store up to one-third of its weight in nectar to help make sure that it does not starve to death before dawn.
I can just imagine your utter fascination with these facts mom. I’m sure you and I would have had quite the conversation about them and it would have led to a continued lively and entertaining discussion on the subject of hummingbirds. Oh well, this post will serve as my virtual conversation with you and the others who read this.