Monday, April 15, 2019

S100 HUMMINGBIRD


HUMMINGBIRDS
Hummingbirds are amongst the smallest birds, most species measuring 7.5-13cm (3-5 in) in length and weighing less than 2.0g (0.07oz). They are very colorful birds with gleaming feathers. Some hummingbirds are able to flap their wings about 80 times per second. They flap their wings so fast that they make a humming noise, which is where their name comes from. Hummingbirds are able to fly right, left, up, down, backwards, and even upside down. They are able to flap their wings in a figure- 8 pattern, which allows them to hover. For nutrition, hummingbirds eat a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, fruit flies, and gnats in flight or on leaves and spiders in their webs. To supply energy needs, hummingbirds primarily eat flower nectar, tree sap, and pollen. They have a special bill that is used to obtain nectar from the center of long, tubular flowers. Hummingbirds have feet, but unlike other birds they are used for perching only, and are not used for hopping or walking.
 
Arizona has the most species of hummingbirds in the U.S. A common misconception about hummingbirds living in Arizona is that when the temperatures rise, these beautiful creatures ditch the desert for better climate. Actually, Arizona is the home to many species of hummingbirds all year long, but mainly Costa Hummingbirds and Anna Hummingbirds.  Migration season for hummingbirds is during late July and early August. During this time tens of thousands of hummingbirds travel from Canada in search for warmer climates and come to visit us in Arizona. It has been estimated that 500 to 2,000 hummingbirds visit Sedona, Arizona a day during migrating season.
                                                                      
Fun Facts:

·       Some hummingbirds are able to flap their wings about 80 times per second.
·       They flap their wings so fast that they make a humming noise, which is where their name comes from.
·       There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds.
·       Hummingbirds are very territorial and have been observed chasing each other and even larger birds such as hawks away from their territories.
·       The young start to fly in 18 to 30 days.
·       Their heart rate can reach as high as 1,260 beats per minute.
·       Hummingbirds are daring little things and are intrigued by the color red.
·       An average hummingbird has a metabolism that is 100 times that of an elephant.
·       Hummingbirds have feet, but unlike other birds they are used for perching only, and are not used for hopping or walking.
·       Arizona has the most species of hummingbirds in the U.S.
·       Arizona is home to Madera Canyon, which is the third birding destination in the U.S. 

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