Essay On Hummingbirds

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is just 1 of 339 species of hummingbirds found worldwide. These unique birds spend the warm seasons in North America, then migrate to Central America for the cold seasons. This tiny bird is the only one of its kind that breeds east of the Mississippi River. So many people love watching the amazing birds hover around their hummingbird feeders that hang on their property in the spring and summer. Most people only know that these hummingbirds are tiny, fast, and love their feeders that are full of sugary goodness. That is just a very small percentage of the amazing qualities this species has. Some of these include their life cycle, habitat, migration, structure,

During the warmer seasons they tend to spend their time in North America breeding. In early fall, when the temperatures start dropping and their food supply begins diminishing, they began to prepare themselves to migrate south to Mexico and Central America. To prepare for the long flight, these birds usually double their weight. They need all of the extra nutrients to fuel their flight. This migration is non-stop and takes around 18 to 20 hours. When the birds reach their destination, they re-nourish themselves, then began the breeding process again in a new habitat such as woodlands, gardens, and

This was not always the case though “In the 1800s, these birds were hunted for collection because of their small size and bright red feathers. Today, they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty between the U.S. and Canada” (Beauty of Birds, 2011). This bird is one of the most unique hummingbirds there is. With their tea cup size, and mouse like squeaks produced from the speed of their wings, people are showing more and more interest in these amazing birds. There is so much more to them than anyone realizes. Their life cycle, habitats, breeding, and migration make for some very intriguing