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Judi Lynn

(160,217 posts)
Tue Sep 8, 2020, 02:55 PM Sep 2020

THIS IS THE SMALLEST BIRD IN THE WORLD





Shutterstock

BY KAREN CORDAY/SEPT. 8, 2020 1:32 PM EDT

According to Guinness World Records, the world's smallest bird is the bee hummingbird, also known by its Latin name, Mellisuga helenae. Bee hummingbirds are exclusively found in Cuba and are so tiny that they are often mistaken for insects. Male bee hummingbirds measure an average of 57 millimeters (2.24 inches) in length and weigh about 1.6 grams (0.056 ounces), which is less than a dime; female birds are a bit larger. Reports One Kind Planet, these tiny birds build nests just 2.5 centimeters wide (less than an inch) out of lichen, bark, and cobwebs, in which they lay two eggs the size of green peas. 

Their breeding season takes place between March and June and male hummingbirds form groups called leks in which they "sing and perform competitive mating displays to attract females." Hummingbirds are polygamous, so one male might mate with many females during this season. The eggs incubate over a period of just three weeks and while the babies hatch blind with no feathers, they leave the nest as soon as their wing feathers grow in, which takes less than a month. 

TINY. VERY TINY



Shutterstock

Because the bee hummingbird is so small, it competes with insects for resources, as opposed to other birds. Per One Kind Planet, bee hummingbirds eat flower nectar and occasional insects, consuming up to half their body weight per day while helping pollinate over 1,500 flowers in the process. According to Wired, they can beat their little wings up to 200 times per second and often slip into a state of "torpor," or deep sleep, to conserve the enormous amounts of energy it takes to be so small and move so fast. 

 How and why did bee hummingbirds evolve to be so dramatically tiny? Ecologist Bo Dalsgaard told Wired that the Caribbean islands as a whole are known for hosting different sizes of hummingbirds. In Cuba, the larger native species is the emerald hummingbird, which grows to be twice the size of the bee hummingbird. Dalsgaard explained that the emerald hummingbird probably came to Cuba first and established itself as the alpha species; bee hummingbirds then evolved to be smaller in order to compete with insects for food, instead of their larger counterparts, and carved out their niche within Cuba's ecosystem. 

Read More: https://www.grunge.com/244373/this-is-the-smallest-bird-in-the-world/?utm_campaign=clip



















38 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
THIS IS THE SMALLEST BIRD IN THE WORLD (Original Post) Judi Lynn Sep 2020 OP
Gorgeous! SheltieLover Sep 2020 #1
Thank you, Sheltie Lover. ❤️️ Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #20
Yw! SheltieLover Sep 2020 #34
Thanks for sharing Dave in VA Sep 2020 #2
Thank you, Dave in Va. You're right! It's beyond mind, for sure. n/t Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #21
That might also be the cutest bird in the world! The Velveteen Ocelot Sep 2020 #3
It would be for me, I'm certain. ❤️️ Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #36
Beautiful and Adorable! hlthe2b Sep 2020 #4
It would be a shock to see one flying right by you. Could never be prepared to see one! n/t Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #35
Wow! Thank you for posting this! MuseRider Sep 2020 #5
Truly like something from another dimension. No doubt they really appreciate their last drinks Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #22
Amazing! 2naSalit Sep 2020 #6
They take real pride and interest in their special Cuban critters, which is ideal. Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #23
Tiny beauties! Bayard Sep 2020 #7
Thank you, Bayard! ❤️️ Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #24
BIRB!!!! shenmue Sep 2020 #8
Birbs, for sure! 🐦 ❤️️ Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #25
Awwww, so cute! I want one! scipan Sep 2020 #9
It would be wonderful to see up close, a real experience. 👍 Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #33
Nice post. Thanks! Nature rules! Evolve Dammit Sep 2020 #10
Thank you. 👋 Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #26
Superb photographs! Thanks for sharing. softydog88 Sep 2020 #11
Thank you. Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #27
Oh Wow! burrowowl Sep 2020 #12
+ 1. nt iluvtennis Sep 2020 #14
👋 Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #37
Thanks, burrowowl! Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #28
Just fascinating tiny birds..put up feeder in back yard for 1st time-- enjoying RestoreAmerica2020 Sep 2020 #13
Had never heard of these tiny guys until seeing the article. Congrats on the hummer feeder! 👋 Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #29
KNR and thank you for sharing these amazing and beautiful little beings.. niyad Sep 2020 #15
I was overwhelmed learning about them. Can't believe birds can be that small! Thank you, niyad. Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #30
And here are their eggs: Tanuki Sep 2020 #16
Tic Tacs! TexasBushwhacker Sep 2020 #18
That's right! Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #31
OMG. That doesn't seem possible! Thanks. ❤️️ Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #19
What is most amazing cojoel Sep 2020 #17
No doubt about it! Judi Lynn Sep 2020 #32
Bookmarked.nt CatLady78 Oct 2020 #38

MuseRider

(34,058 posts)
5. Wow! Thank you for posting this!
Tue Sep 8, 2020, 03:18 PM
Sep 2020

Amazing little birds. I was just watching the ruby-throated hummingbirds fight at my feeders as they get ready to head to Mexico or farther. Fat little things they are right now.

I had heard about Bee Hummingbirds but knew nothing at all about them. Thank you for the info and those beautiful pictures!

Judi Lynn

(160,217 posts)
22. Truly like something from another dimension. No doubt they really appreciate their last drinks
Mon Sep 14, 2020, 04:59 PM
Sep 2020

before heading south.

Unbelievable distance for such tiny travelers. . .

So glad you have offered them food during their stay north of the border.

Judi Lynn

(160,217 posts)
23. They take real pride and interest in their special Cuban critters, which is ideal.
Mon Sep 14, 2020, 05:06 PM
Sep 2020

A lot of Canadian and European regular visitors to Cuba have expressed dread for the time US tourists will start pouring into Cuba, as they think it's wonderful as it is now!

Anyone who treats the island and the people with respect has always been deeply appreciated.

A lot of folks simply go to third countries like Canada, Mexico, or other Latin American or Caribbean countries and go from there to Cuba, and return the same way. Cuba doesn't stamp passports for U.S. Americans at the airport, I've heard.

RestoreAmerica2020

(3,433 posts)
13. Just fascinating tiny birds..put up feeder in back yard for 1st time-- enjoying
Tue Sep 8, 2020, 05:36 PM
Sep 2020

..watching them--yet these tiny bee hummingbirds are just stunning. Will read more. Thanks for sharing. Paz

Judi Lynn

(160,217 posts)
30. I was overwhelmed learning about them. Can't believe birds can be that small! Thank you, niyad.
Mon Sep 14, 2020, 05:32 PM
Sep 2020

cojoel

(952 posts)
17. What is most amazing
Tue Sep 8, 2020, 05:58 PM
Sep 2020

Inside that little bird's head is more brain power than inside of Eric's head. Or Junior's. Or their father's.

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