Bee Hummingbird
Mellisuga helenae
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<birdfyi-bird slug="mellisuga-helenae"></birdfyi-bird>About
The world's smallest bird (5-6 cm, 1.6-2 g). Endemic to Cuba. Males have an iridescent pink-red throat. Nectarivore of forest and garden flowers. Weighs less than a US dime. Heart beats 1,200 times per minute. Lays the world's smallest bird eggs (6 mm).
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 5.6 cm | 2.2 in |
| Weight | 2.1 g | 0.07 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Canivet's Emerald: males with iridescent violet gorget; metallic green above; white underparts; forked tail; females green; spots
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to Cuba. Found across the island in forests, gardens, and coastal vegetation from sea level to moderate elevations.
Diet & Feeding
World's smallest bird; feeds on nectar from tiny Cuban flowers and catches minuscule spiders and insects to meet protein requirements.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 21-22 days. Fledging: 18 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Pure, bell-like descending phrase; clear resonant tones stepping smoothly down in musical sequence at dusk.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Mellisuga |
| Species | Mellisuga helenae |
Distribution
Bee Hummingbird has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bee Hummingbird eat?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family