The diminutive hummingbird (Trochilidae-Hummingbird Family), there are 339 species of this tiny bird,
16 species in the U.S. with another 1/2 dozen non-non native species spotted within the continental U.S.
With the exception of insects, hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of all animals due to the rapid
beating of their wings which create the humming sound these birds are named for. A hummingbird can
flap its’ wings up to 200 times per second and are capable of incredible aerial feats such as flying
backwards, right and left, up and down and even remain stationery mid air while their wings flap in
a dizzying figure eight motion.
The hummingbird can consume more than their weight in nectar each day and to do so must visit 100”s of
flowers each day. Hummingbirds are continuously hours away from starving to death, and store just enough
energy to fuel their high metabolisms overnight, a period when their metabolisms slow down.
As hummingbirds can consume up to their bodyweight each day in high energy nectar, they are dependent on
an abundance of wild flowers and the generosity and care of bird enthusiasts, especially when flowers are scarce
due to drought or low yield years. Though they consume insects for protein, their main diet is the high energy
sugars they find in ripe flowers and hummingbird feeders placed in their range.
The color red is a natural humming bird attractant and feeders like our all red Dr. JB Clean Feeder and our specially
designed hummingbird nectar with a red tint proven to attract this tiny species.
Humming birds can be very territorial and guard their food supply, so placing more than one feeder out of sight
of the others is always a good idea and placing the feeders by plants and shrubs hummingbirds are attracted
to is always a good idea. A few of these are
As hummingbirds have incredible memories, they can remember previous feeding spots and will return year after year.
This is why it is important to correctly place the hummingbird feeders and to always maintain their cleanliness.
High sugar nectars can spoil quickly in the hot sun and home made syrups not designed to withstand outdoor
temperatures can rapidly turn rancid, causing illness and death in these tiny birds.
Correctly designed feeders and nectars will promote good health and ensure these adorable little birds live
their full lifespan of three to seven years and return to your feeding station every year on their migratory visits.
A well designed feeder like our Dr. JB Clean feeder is not only easy to maintain and easy to spot, it will also
have perching rungs as due to contrary to popular belief, their tiny feet do fine perching and hummingbirds will
remain stationery for brief periods where they can be viewed for periods of time at a well placed feeder and
with luck you will be able to view the smallest of hummingbirds (bee hummingbird) at just 2″ in size or the
largest of the hummingbird genus, the (Giant Hummingbird).
Colorful and playful, hummingbirds are always a welcome treat to any backyard feeding station.
Anthony LoCascio is an avid avarian and the proprietor of www.divalosgourmetbirdfood.com
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Tags:bird enthusiasts,humming birds,hummingbird feeders,plants and shrubs,tiny species
