Size: Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world. The bee hummingbird, found in Cuba, is the smallest bird species measuring about 2 to 2.4 inches (5 to 6 centimeters) in length and weighing less than 2 grams.
Flight: They are incredible flyers, capable of hovering in mid-air, flying backward, and even upside down. Their wings beat incredibly fast, usually between 50 to 80 times per second, which produces the humming sound they're named for.
Metabolism: Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolism rates. To support their energetic lifestyle, they must consume vast amounts of food. Some species consume up to twice their body weight in nectar each day.
Diet: While nectar from flowers is their primary food source, hummingbirds also eat insects and spiders for protein. They are excellent hunters and can catch insects in mid-air or pluck them from foliage.
Colorful Plumage: Hummingbirds are known for their iridescent plumage, which can appear to change color depending on the angle of the light. This is due to the microscopic structure of their feathers, which refracts light like a prism.
Migration: Despite their tiny size, some hummingbird species undertake remarkable migrations. For example, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates thousands of miles between its breeding grounds in North America and its wintering grounds in Central America.
Territorial Behavior: Hummingbirds are fiercely territorial and will aggressively defend feeding and nesting areas from intruders, including other hummingbirds and larger birds.
Nests: Their nests are constructed using plant material, spider silk, and other natural fibers. They are often camouflaged with lichens and moss to blend in with their surroundings.