DID YOU KNOW ??? HUMMINGBIRD FACTS

Since I am a groveling slave to the hordes of Hummingbirds I support, I thought I would do a little research and was I amazed at what I had learned and I insist on sharing. What got me really curious was that I am pretty sure I have seen my first Hummer fledgling. It is smaller than the others, dull in color and actually has table manners. It will wait patiently on the plant hanger for an opening at the feeder. It has not developed the push and shove mentality of the adults.

This is not my photo of a fledge for while I spent the good part of the day trying, I didn't get anything printable.

Did you know Hummers fly with their hands? Well I didn't know they had hands, but their upper arm and fore arm bones are very short and the wrist joints can't move. The shoulder joint can move in all directions, plus rotate 180 degrees. The don't flap their wings, they fly with their hands. I'm just going to have to believe that for I have really watched and only see a blur.

Did you know that Hummers have the largest brain in relation to body of all birds? This fact I found totally amazing. I can no longer use " you have the brain of a hummingbird" as a put down.

Did you know they have proportionally the largest heart of any living animal.?Awwww.

Did you know that the Hummer's eyes have both monocular and binocular vision (why it is so hard to sneak up on one)? Both eyes will out weigh that all ready mentioned massive brain.

Did you know that they perch but do not walk? Their feet seem to have no function beyond perching and scratching themselves. To move on a branch, even a small distance, they will use their wings.

Did you know that Hummers eat 1/2 their weight per day? So that person who claims to eat like a bird will likely embarrass you at an all you can eat buffet.

This fact really surprised me. Hummingbirds migrate, not in flocks (or in the mythical fashion of on the backs of geese.) but they migrate entire alone. Males leave first, followed by females several weeks later. The young leave last, flying alone on their first migration with no adult to guide them. The Rufus has the longest migration of over 5000 miles per year. Nature astounds me.

Did you know they live from 5 to 10 years in the wild? Their predators include hawks, large frogs and fishes, tropical spiders and this surprised me, the praying mantis. Hazards include spider webs, windows, bad sugar mixes, storms and weather affecting flower growth.

Now the part you have been waiting for, mating. Ladies, hope you don't come back a Hummer if you are looking for love. Men, it is not that bad a deal. This is a breed and run deal for the males. The female locates the male and after getting his attention, he will fly 75 to 150 feet in the air and then drop like a bomb on the female. Mating occurs in flight and lasts 3 to 5 seconds. Ok guys, maybe not such a good deal.

Then however, he is done, free to dive bomb again. The female builds the nest and raises the young on her own with no help from the bomber guy.

That are my Hummer facts for the day. If you want more info go to here. I would write more but they are banging on the window wanting more nectar. Must run.