The Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is the smallest bird on Earth. Native to Cuba, this tiny bird is so small that people often mistake it for an insect. Despite its size, the bee hummingbird plays a significant role in pollination and the ecosystem.
Bee Hummingbird Physical Characteristics
- Size: Males measure about 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) in length, while females are slightly larger at 6.1 cm (2.4 inches).
- Weight: Males weigh approximately 1.95 grams, and females about 2.6 grams.
- Appearance:
- Males: Bright red or pink head and throat with iridescent green and blue feathers on the back.
- Females: Bluish-green upper parts with grayish-white underparts and white spots on the tail feathers.
The bee hummingbird’s feathers have iridescent colors, which change depending on the viewing angle.
Comparison Table: Bee Hummingbird vs. Other Hummingbirds
| Species | Length (cm) | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Bee Hummingbird | 5.5 – 6.1 | 1.95 – 2.6 |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 8 – 10 | 2.4 – 3.1 |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 10 – 13 | 3 – 4 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 8 – 9 | 3 – 3.4 |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 9 – 10 | 3 – 4 |
Bee hummingbird Habitat and Distribution
The bee hummingbird is endemic to Cuba, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. It inhabits forests, gardens, and swamps, especially areas rich in flowering plants.
Bee hummingbird Diet and Feeding Behavior
Bee hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, using their long, slender beaks and specialized tongues. They also consume tiny insects and spiders for protein. A single bee hummingbird can visit up to 1,500 flowers in one day, playing a crucial role in pollination.
Bee hummingbird Flight and Metabolism
These birds are exceptional fliers. Their wings beat about 80 times per second during normal flight and up to 200 times per second during courtship displays. This rapid wing movement allows them to hover in place and fly in all directions.
Due to their high metabolism, bee hummingbirds must feed frequently. To conserve energy, especially at night, they can enter a state called torpor, a deep sleep-like condition.
Bee hummingbird Reproduction
Female bee hummingbirds build tiny nests, about the size of a coin, using plant fibers, spider webs, and lichens. They lay two eggs, each about the size of a coffee bean. The mother incubates the eggs and cares for the chicks until they are ready to fly, which takes about 23 days.
Bee Hummingbird Guinness World Record
According to the Guinness World Records, the bee hummingbird holds the title for the smallest living bird in terms of length.
Source: hummingbird101
Conservation Status
The bee hummingbird is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The primary threats include habitat loss due to agriculture, deforestation, and climate change. Conservation efforts in Cuba aim to protect the natural habitats of this unique species.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is it called the bee hummingbird?
A1: Because of its tiny size, comparable to a bee, and the humming sound produced by its rapid wing beats.
Q2: How long do bee hummingbirds live?
A2: They can live up to 7 years in the wild and 10 years in captivity.
Q3: Are bee hummingbirds found outside Cuba?
A3: No, they are endemic to Cuba and are not naturally found elsewhere.
Q4: What do bee hummingbird nests look like?
A4: Their nests are tiny, about the size of a coin, and are made from plant fibers, spider webs, and lichens.
Q5: How many eggs do they lay?
A5: Female bee hummingbirds lay two eggs per breeding cycle.
