Vervain Hummingbird
Mellisuga minima
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<birdfyi-bird slug="mellisuga-minima"></birdfyi-bird>The Vervain Hummingbird (Mellisuga minima) is a bird species in the family Trochilidae (hummingbirds), within the order Caprimulgiformes (nightjars & swifts). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 7.3 cm and a weight of 2.2 g. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
The second smallest bird in the world (6 cm, 2-2.4 g). Endemic to Jamaica and Hispaniola. Tiny green plumage with a short bill. Nectarivore of garden flowers and forest edges. Named vervain for its preference for Stachytarpheta (vervain) flowers. Weighs less than a penny.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 7.3 cm | 2.9 in |
| Weight | 2.174 g | 0.08 oz |
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to Jamaica and Hispaniola in the Caribbean. Resident in gardens, forest edges, and lowland to montane habitats.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on floral nectar in forest edges and gardens of Jamaica and Hispaniola. Supplements with tiny insects and spiders gleaned from leaves.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 12 days. Fledging: 19-22 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Harsh, nasal chatter with emphatic rhythm; rough buzzy notes delivered rapidly with coarse texture from perch.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts) |
| Family | Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) |
| Genus | Mellisuga |
| Species | Mellisuga minima |
Distribution
Vervain Hummingbird has been recorded in 1 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Vervain Hummingbird eat?
Where does the Vervain Hummingbird live?
Is the Vervain Hummingbird endangered?
How does the Vervain Hummingbird nest?
What does the Vervain Hummingbird sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Trochilidae family