Nature’s little acrobat, sipping sweetness from vibrant blooms.
Sweet Sips: A Hummingbird's Close Encounter: The primary source of energy for hummingbirds is nectar, which they obtain by visiting flowers with long, tubular shapes. They use their specialized, extendable tongues to lap up the nectar deep within the flower, often hovering while they feed. In addition to nectar, hummingbirds eat small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein, especially during the breeding season when raising chicks. Because of their high metabolism, hummingbirds must consume large amounts of food relative to their body size—some species eat up to twice their body weight in nectar and insects daily. To conserve energy during the night or when food is scarce, many hummingbirds enter a state of torpor, a form of deep rest where their metabolic rate drops significantly, allowing them to survive without constant feeding. Hummingbirds play a crucial role in their ecosystems as pollinators. As they feed on nectar, their foreheads and bills brush against the reproductive parts of the flowers, transferring pollen from one bloom to another. This pollination process is vital for reproducing many flowering plants, particularly in tropical environments where hummingbirds are primary pollinators. Some plant species have evolved specifically to attract hummingbirds, developing bright red or orange flowers that appeal to these birds and producing nectar in the right shape and volume for their slender bills. Despite their small size, hummingbirds are highly territorial and fiercely defend their feeding areas from other hummingbirds and even larger animals. They will chase away intruders with speed and agility, using their sharp beaks to peck at rivals or intruders. This territorial behaviour is especially pronounced during the breeding season when food resources are in high demand.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Photo credit: © Lea Tyrrell / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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