We all know that hummingbirds are incredibly special creatures, but did you know there are hundreds of species of them across the Americas?

From the sparkling Ruby-throated to the rarely seen Berylline, these tiny wonders are packed with surprises!

1. Over 360 Species of Hummingbirds

Did you know that there are more than 360 species of hummingbirds? While only 15 species are typically found in the U.S., such as the Ruby-throated and Anna's Hummingbirds, the majority thrive in tropical areas. Ecuador, in particular, boasts the highest diversity, with over 130 species found in its varied landscapes.

2. Remarkable Memory and Navigation

Hummingbirds possess incredible spatial memory. They are able to remember the locations of feeders for years and keep track of flower bloom peaks. This exceptional ability is attributed to a large hippocampus in their brains, which is responsible for learning and spatial memory.

3. A Daily Feast

Due to their high energy needs, hummingbirds feed all day long. A single Ruby-throated Hummingbird can visit over 1,000 flowers in one day, consuming up to half its body weight in nectar. Not only do they get their sustenance from flowers, but they also play an important role in pollination, helping plants like wildflowers that stabilize fragile soil after fires.

4. The Tiniest Bird in the World

The Bee Hummingbird, found in Cuba, is the world's smallest bird. At just 2 inches long and weighing only 1.6 grams, it's lighter than a dime! Even smaller hummingbirds like the Esmeraldas Woodstar and the Frilled Coquette are barely over 2 inches long. But some hummingbirds can grow as large as 8 inches, such as the Giant Hummingbird in the Andes.

5. New Species Are Still Being Discovered

Researchers continue to discover new hummingbird species. For instance, the Blue-throated Hillstar was only discovered in 2017 in southwestern Ecuador. Incredibly, species like the Blue-bearded Helmetcrest were lost for decades and rediscovered just recently, proving that there is still much to learn about these creatures.

6. Their Hearts Beat Extremely Fast

The heart rate of a hummingbird is off the charts! Some species, like the Blue-throated Mountain-gem, can have heartbeats as fast as 1,260 beats per minute. In comparison, humans average 60-100 beats per minute. Even more extraordinary, hummingbirds can slow their heart rate to as low as 50 beats per minute during torpor, a state that helps them conserve energy.

7. Wing Beats That Will Astonish You

Hummingbirds beat their wings an astonishing 60 to 80 times per second! This allows them to hover and even fly backward. Their wings rotate 180 degrees thanks to their flexible shoulder joints, enabling them to perform such incredible feats of flight.

8. Walking Is Not in Their Repertoire

Hummingbirds are unique in that they cannot walk. Their small feet are only used for perching or scooting sideways. This adaptation makes them more aerodynamic, as small feet reduce drag during flight, allowing them to focus on what they do best: flying!

9. Long-Distance Migrators

Some hummingbirds make incredible migration journeys. The Calliope Hummingbird, for example, is the smallest long-distance migratory bird, traveling over 5,000 miles each year. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird even migrates non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico, covering 500 miles in less than a day!

10. A Glimpse of the Past

Hummingbirds have an ancient history. Fossils show that hummingbirds existed in Europe around 30 million years ago. While they are now exclusive to the Americas, it's still a mystery why they disappeared from Europe.

Now that we know all these incredible facts about hummingbirds, we can better appreciate their beauty and importance. Let's work together to protect these extraordinary creatures and ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come!

Hummingbird Facts And More About The Smallest Bird Species

Video by Facts Net