The Hummingbird

A beautiful hummingbird sips nectar from these red flowers.

Image taken from http://www.hedweb.com/animimag/hummingbirds.htm


Hummingbirds are among the smallest of birds. By rapidly flapping their wings, they can hover in mid air to feed from a flower. Hummingbirds drink the sweet liquid inside flowers called nectar. They prefer the flowers with the sweeter, more sugary nectar. Also, they find it easy to eat in long, tube-like flowers, as they have a long pointy beak. Hummingbirds don't spend their whole day flying - oh, no, that would take up to much energy. They spend a lot of their time just perched on a branch relaxing. While in flight, hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any animal apart from insects. Their heart rate can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute. Isn't that incredible? Hummingbirds can slow down their metabolism at night, so they can rest, or whenever they need a break. Sometimes they do it when food isn't available so as not to waste energy.
Many hummingbirds have bright feathers and exotic colours.
Hummingbirds are very dainty and beautiful little creatures.