Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are a family of very small birds in the biological family Trochilidae, found only in the Americas.

Hummingbirds are a family of very small birds in the biological family Trochilidae, found only in the Americas. They are known for rapid wingbeats, hovering flight, and their reliance on nectar, though they also eat small insects and spiders. Several hummingbird species regularly occur in Canada during the breeding season or migration, making them familiar birds to Canadian readers.

Taxonomy and distribution

Hummingbirds belong to the family Trochilidae and are closely related to swifts. They occur from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but the greatest diversity is in Central and South America. Most species live in tropical regions, and hummingbirds are native to the New World, not occurring naturally outside the Americas.

Physical characteristics

Hummingbirds are small birds with narrow bills, compact bodies, and often iridescent plumage. Males of many species have brightly colored throat feathers called a gorget. They are among the smallest birds, with the bee hummingbird often cited as the smallest living bird, typically weighing about 2 to 20 grams.

Flight and feeding

Hummingbirds are adapted for highly maneuverable flight, including hovering and backward flight—they are the only birds able to fly backwards. They feed mainly on nectar using their long bills and specialized tongues, but they also rely on small insects and spiders for protein and other nutrients.

Ecology and pollination

As they move between flowers, hummingbirds transfer pollen and can act as important pollinators. Their feeding behavior links them closely to flowering plants in the ecosystems where they live, particularly in the tropical regions of Central and South America where most species are found.