It was a Swedish naturalist named Carolus Linnaeus who devised the scientific classification system still in use today (kingdom, phylum, class, order and family). Hummingbirds were assigned their own family. It is called Trochilidae, from the Greek trochilos, which means small bird.
According to a study conducted at the Powdermill Nature Reserve in Pennsylvania, female hummingbirds survive at a higher rate then male hummingbirds. The male hummingbirds had an average annual survivorship of 31 percent fcompared to 42 percent for females. The study didn’t offer an explanation as to why the female hummingbirds had the higher rate of survival.
It is difficult for the young fledglings to survive. In fact, up to three-quarters of a given year’s fledglings are likely to die due to numerous causes. These include the following: predators, disease, accident, problems which occur during migration, or other problems.
Water is important to hummingbirds as well as other birds. Here are some reasons which explain this that maybe you might not have ever considered before. Creating a water source will not only serve to help you attract hummingbirds more effectively but you will also be helping to ensure the survival of these birds.
It may surprise you to find out that birds don’t have salivary glands, so water is nessary to help the birds digest food. The water source will also assit the birds with their daily hygiene as well as helping the birds with the proper maintenance and care of their feathers. The proper care and maintenance of the birds feathers is extremely important because the feathers serve to help regulate the bird’s approperate body temperature.
If you live in the state of Georgia and are an avid birdwatcher, I have some very good news for you. The state has plenty of hummingbird species for you to observe and enjoy. There are 11 different species of hummingbirds found in the state. These include the following species: the ruby-throated hummingbird, black-chinned hummingbird, rufous hummingbird, calliope hummingbird, and magnificent hummingbird. Allen’s hummingbird, Anna’s hummingbird, broad-billed hummingbird, green violet-ear hummingbird, green-breasted mango hummingbird and broad-tailed hummingbird.
Of the species mentioned, only the ruby-throated hummingbird nest in Georgia. This hummingbird only weighs about the same as a first-class postage stamp!
Categories
Hummingbird Garden Tips
- Trees and shrubs should also be used in your hummingbird garden along with flowers that are known to attract hummingbirds. The trees and shrubs will help provide shade for the birds.
- Use perennials whenever possible because these will grow back year after year and this will provide the hummingbirds with a consistent food source. Hummingbirds have excellent memories and studies have found that hummingbirds will return to the same food source year after year.
- Place flowers in large batches of the same color as a way of capturing the hummingbird’s attention.
- Select a wide variety of flowers that will bloom at different times. This will help provide the birds with a constant source of nectar on which to feed in both the spring and fall.
- If the amount of space for your garden is limited, use hanging baskets or window boxes as a space saving way to create your garden.
- Never use pesticides in your garden because these can be ingested by the hummingbirds and either harm or kill the birds.
- Provide a water source for the hummingbirds either through a birdbath or mister. Hummingbirds love water and doing this will entice the birds to remain in your yard for a longer period of time.
- Give yourself a spot in the garden from which you can view the hummingbirds. It will be a way to reward yourself for all your efforts to attract the hummingbirds.