Amazing Hummingbird Facts

All year round, the Cedar House on the Hill B&B is visited by Hummingbirds. One group stays even in the cold winter month. Jennifer Hill collected some interesting facts about the wonderful small birds and we would like to share them with you.

1. Hummingbirds are found only in the western hemisphere. There are approximately 338 species between Alaska and Tierra del Fuego.
2. Hummingbirds range in size, from 5.7 cm to 21.6com and typically weigh approximately 3 grams.
3. The heart of a hummingbird beats 1,260 time a minute. A resting wings 70-80 times a second, others as slow as 18.
4. The life span of a hummingbird can be as long as 12 years, however most only live three to five years. Predation is a major cause of mortality.
5. Males are polygamous (i.e. have more than one mate). Females take care of the nest, while males defend the territory. A female can care for more than a nest at a time. She might be building a nest while caring for already-hatched chicks.
6. Hummingbirds can fly backwards and upside-down. Their wings rotate at the shoulder, allowing them to make a forward stroke followed by a backward stroke – hence they can hover.
7. More than 150 native North American plants depend exclusivity on hummingbirds to pollinate them. Along with nectar, mature hummingbirds can eat as many as 500 insects per day. Baby hummingbirds need protein to grow, so their mothers spend a great deal of time catching small bugs. She also regurgitates nectar to feed them.
8. Anna’s Hummingbirds can be seen on Vancouver Island year-round; Rufous Hummingbirds from March to August.

By Jennifer Hill, The Victorian Bird House