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Bee Hummingbird

Mellisuga helenae

Near Threatened
Envergure
5,6 cm
Poids
2,1 g
Famille
Trochilidae
Ordre
Caprimulgiformes

À propos

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
Envergure 5,6 cm 2.2 in
Poids 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

Répartition géographique

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.

Statut de conservation

Near Threatened
IUCN Red List

Comportement et reproduction

Nidification

Nest type: CP. Incubation: 21-22 days. Fledging: 18 days.

Taille de la couvée

2

Son

Chant

Pure, bell-like descending phrase; clear resonant tones stepping smoothly down in musical sequence at dusk.

Taxonomie

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Ordre Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars & Swifts)
Famille Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
Genus Mellisuga
Espèces Mellisuga helenae

Distribution

Bee Hummingbird has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Présent Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Foire aux questions

What does the Bee Hummingbird eat?
World's smallest bird; feeds on nectar from tiny Cuban flowers and catches minuscule spiders and insects to meet protein requirements.
Where does the Bee Hummingbird live?
Endemic to Cuba. Found across the island in forests, gardens, and coastal vegetation from sea level to moderate elevations.
Is the Bee Hummingbird endangered?
The Bee Hummingbird has a conservation status of Near Threatened.
How does the Bee Hummingbird nest?
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 21-22 days. Fledging: 18 days.
What does the Bee Hummingbird sound like?
Pure, bell-like descending phrase; clear resonant tones stepping smoothly down in musical sequence at dusk.
How big is the Bee Hummingbird?
The Bee Hummingbird has a wingspan of 5.6 cm, weight of 2.1 g.
What order and family does the Bee Hummingbird belong to?
The Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) belongs to the order Caprimulgiformes and the family Trochilidae.

Similar Birds

Other species in the Trochilidae family

Comparer

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