Trochilidae – Hummingbirds
The Trochilidae or Hummingbirds are a family of birds exclusive to the Americas. With over 350 species in 113 genera, they occur from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but most species are found in Central and South America. As of 2025, 21 hummingbird species are listed as endangered or critically endangered, with about 191 species declining in population.
They are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring 7.5cm to 13cm. Indeed, the smallest extant bird species is a hummingbird, the 5cm Bee Hummingbird, endemic to Cuba and weighing less than a penny 2.5g.
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Bumblebee Hummingbird Selasphorus heloisa |
Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae |
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Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis |
Black-hooded Sunbeam Aglaeactis pamela |
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All photos in this text courtesy of ©Dubi Shapiro |
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They are known as hummingbirds because of the humming sound created by their beating wings which flap at high frequencies audible to humans. They hover in mid-air at rapid wing-flapping rates, typically around 50 times per second, allowing them also to fly at speeds exceeding 15 m/s (54 km/h; 34 mph). They have the highest metabolism of any homeothermic animal. To conserve energy when food is scarce, and nightly when not foraging, they go into torpor, a state similar to hibernation, slowing metabolic rate to 1/15th of its normal rate.
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Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii |
Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus |
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Crimson Topaz Topaza pella |
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani |
Hummingbirds showcase a dizzying array of plumages, almost all of which rely on odd tail plumes or the angle-sensitive iridescence of their feathers for their effect. The extreme manoeuvrability of these most acrobatic of birds seems to engender a lack of concern about predators, making them easy to approach near sources of food. The sexes differ in feather coloration, with males having distinct brilliance and ornamentation of head, neck, wing, and breast feathers.
Wine-throated Hummingbird Selasphorus ellioti
Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus
The most typical feather ornament in males is the gorget – a bib-like iridescent neck-feather patch that changes brilliance with the viewing angle to attract females and warn male competitors away from territory. The iridescent colours and highly specialised feathers of many species (mainly in males) give some hummingbirds exotic common names, such as sun gem, fairy, woodstar, sapphire and sylph.
Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganurus
Marvelous Spatuletail Loddigesia mirabilis
Hummingbirds have compact bodies with relatively long, bladelike wings having anatomical structure enabling helicopter-like flight in any direction, including the ability to hover. Particularly while hovering, the wing beats produce the humming sounds, which function to alert other birds. In some species, the tail feathers produce sounds used by males during courtship flying. One species of hummingbird – the Little Woodstar Chaetocercus bombus, has a wing-beat frequency of 99 per second during hovering.
Butterfly Coquette Discosura verreauxii
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii
Their metabolisms are full of superlatives. With the exception of insects, hummingbirds while in flight have the highest metabolism of all animals – a necessity to support the rapid beating of their wings during hovering and fast forward flight. Their heart rate can reach as high as 1,260 beats per minute, a rate once measured in a Blue-throated Hummingbird, with a breathing rate of 250 breaths per minute, even at rest. During flight, oxygen consumption per gram of muscle tissue in a hummingbird is about 10 times higher than that measured in elite human athletes.
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Black Metaltail Metallura phoebe |
Wedge-tailed Hillstar Oreotrochilus adela |
They are rare among vertebrates in their ability to rapidly make use of ingested sugars to fuel energetically expensive hovering flight, powering up to 100% of their metabolic needs with the sugars they drink (in comparison, human athletes max out at around 30%). Hummingbirds can use newly ingested sugars to fuel hovering flight within 30 to 45 minutes of consumption. This suggests that hummingbirds are able to oxidise sugar in flight muscles at rates high enough to satisfy their extreme metabolic demands. By relying on newly ingested sugars to fuel flight, they can reserve their limited fat stores to sustain their overnight fasting or to power migratory flights.
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans
Blue-tufted Starthroat Heliomaster furcifer
Studies of hummingbirds’ metabolisms are relevant to the question of how a migrating Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can cross 800km of the Gulf of Mexico on a nonstop flight. This hummingbird, like other birds preparing to migrate, stores fat as a fuel reserve, thereby augmenting its weight by as much as 100%, hence increasing potential flying time over open water.
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
Hummingbird legs are short with feet having three toes pointing forward and one (the hallux) backward. The toes are formed as claws with ridged inner surfaces to aid gripping onto flower stems or petals. They do not walk on the ground or hop like most birds, but rather shuffle laterally and use their feet to grip while perching, preening feathers or nest-building (by females) and during fights to grab feathers from opponents. Their very short legs are used as pistons for generating thrust when taking flight. During flight, hummingbird feet are tucked up under the body, enabling optimal aerodynamics and manoeuvrability.
Green Thorntail Discosura conversi
Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus
Hummingbirds begin mating when they are a year old. Sex occurs over 3–5 seconds when the male joins its cloaca with the female’s, passing sperm. The females build a nest resembling a small cup about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter, commonly attached to a tree branch using spider webs, lichens, moss, and loose strings of plant fibres. Typically, two pea-sized white eggs, the smallest of any bird, are laid and incubated over two to three weeks. When the chicks hatch they are fed by regurgitation only by the mother, fledging about three weeks later.
Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri
White-Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii
he average lifespan of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird is estimated to be three to five years, with most deaths occurring in yearlings, although one banded Ruby-throated Hummingbird lived for 9 years and 2 months. Bee Hummingbirds are known to live seven to ten years.
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Number of bird species: 363
(As at September 2025)
There are, according to the recently (2025) amalgamated AviList, 363 extant species, in 113 genera of Trochilidae or hummingbirds. They are:
Black Jacobin Florisuga fusca
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
Fiery Topaz Topaza pyra
Crimson Topaz Topaza pella
Buff-tailed Sicklebill Eutoxeres condamini
White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila
Saw-billed Hermit Ramphodon naevius
Hook-billed Hermit Glaucis dohrnii
Bronzy Hermit Glaucis aeneus
Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsutus
Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri
Pale-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes leucurus
Sooty Barbthroat Threnetes niger
Broad-tipped Hermit Anopetia gounellei
White-bearded Hermit Phaethornis hispidus
White-bearded Hermit Phaethornis hispidus
White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui
Green Hermit Phaethornis guy
Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus
Koepcke’s Hermit Phaethornis koepckeae
Needle-billed Hermit Phaethornis philippii
Straight-billed Hermit Phaethornis bourcieri
Long-billed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris
Mexican Hermit Phaethornis mexicanus
Long-tailed Hermit Phaethornis superciliosus
Great-billed Hermit Phaethornis malaris
Pale-bellied Hermit Phaethornis anthophilus
Dusky-throated Hermit Phaethornis squalidus
Streak-throated Hermit Phaethornis rupurumii
Tapajos Hermit Phaethornis aethopygus
Little Hermit Phaethornis longuemareus
Minute Hermit Phaethornis idaliae
Cinnamon-throated Hermit Phaethornis nattereri
Black-throated Hermit Phaethornis atrimentalis
Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis
Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis
Reddish Hermit Phaethornis ruber
White-browed Hermit Phaethornis stuarti
Buff-bellied Hermit Phaethornis subochraceus
Sooty-capped Hermit Phaethornis augusti
Planalto Hermit Phaethornis pretrei
Scale-throated Hermit Phaethornis eurynome
Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae
Blue-fronted Lancebill Doryfera johannae
White-throated Wedgebill Schistes albogularis
Geoffroy’s Wedgebill Schistes geoffroyi
Hooded Visorbearer Augastes lumachella
Hyacinth Visorbearer Augastes scutatus
White-vented Violetear Colibri serrirostris
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans
Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae
Mexican Violetear Colibri thalassinus
Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus
Horned Sungem Heliactin bilophus
Tooth-billed Hummingbird Androdon aequatorialis
Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti
Black-eared Fairy Heliothryx auritus
White-tailed Goldenthroat Polytmus guainumbi
Tepui Goldenthroat Polytmus milleri
Green-tailed Goldenthroat Polytmus theresiae
Fiery-tailed Awlbill Avocettula recurvirostris
Ruby-topaz Hummingbird Chrysolampis mosquitus
Purple-throated Carib Eulampis jugularis
Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericeus
Jamaican Mango Anthracothorax mango
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis
Green-throated Mango Anthracothorax viridigula
Green-breasted Mango Anthracothorax prevostii
Veraguan Mango Anthracothorax veraguensis
Antillean Mango Anthracothorax dominicus
Puerto Rican Mango Anthracothorax aurulentus
Green Mango Anthracothorax viridis
Greenish Puffleg Haplophaedia aureliae
Buff-thighed Puffleg Haplophaedia assimilis
Hoary Puffleg Haplophaedia lugens
Marvelous Spatuletail Loddigesia mirabilis
Black-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis nigrivestis
Gorgeted Puffleg Eriocnemis isabellae
Glowing Puffleg Eriocnemis vestita
Black-thighed Puffleg Eriocnemis derbyi
Turquoise-throated Puffleg Eriocnemis godini
Coppery-bellied Puffleg Eriocnemis cupreoventris
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani
Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera
Blue-capped Puffleg Eriocnemis glaucopoides
Colorful Puffleg Eriocnemis mirabilis
Emerald-bellied Puffleg Eriocnemis aline
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi
Shining Sunbeam actis cupripennis
White-tufted Sunbeam Aglaeactis castelnaudii
Purple-backed Sunbeam Aglaeactis aliciae
Black-hooded Sunbeam Aglaeactis pamela
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena
Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni
Black Inca Coeligena prunellei
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata
Green Inca Coeligena conradii
Gould’s Inca Coeligena inca
Violet-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena violifer
Rainbow Starfrontlet Coeligena iris
White-tailed Starfrontlet Coeligena phalerata
Dusky Starfrontlet Coeligena orina
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae
Perija Starfrontlet Coeligena consita
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet Coeligena bonapartei
Golden-tailed Starfrontlet Coeligena eos
Blue-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena helianthea
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus
Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii
Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini
Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini
Rufous-vented Whitetip Urosticte ruficrissa
White-Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii
Peruvian Racket-tail Ocreatus peruanus
Rufous-Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus addae
White-tailed Hillstar Urochroa bougueri
Green-backed Hillstar Urochroa leucura
Scissor-tailed Hummingbird Hylonympha macrocerca
Violet-chested Hummingbird Sternoclyta cyanopectus
Velvet-browed Brilliant Heliodoxa xanthogonys
Pink-throated Brilliant Heliodoxa gularis
Rufous-webbed Brilliant Heliodoxa branickii
Black-throated Brilliant Heliodoxa schreibersii
Gould’s Jewelfront Heliodoxa aurescens
Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula
Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix
Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri
Brazilian Ruby Heliodoxa rubricauda
Green-backed Firecrown Sephanoides sephaniodes
Juan Fernandez Firecrown Sephanoides fernandensis
Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii
Black-bellied Thorntail Discosura langsdorffi
Letitia’s Thorntail Discosura letitiae
Green Thorntail Discosura conversii
Racket-tailed Coquette Discosura longicaudus
Tufted Coquette Lophornis ornatus
Dot-eared Coquette Lophornis gouldii
Frilled Coquette Lophornis magnificus
Short-crested Coquette Lophornis brachylophus
Rufous-crested Coquette Lophornis delattrei
Spangled Coquette Lophornis stictolophus
Butterfly Coquette Discosura verreauxii
Festive Coquette Lophornis chalybeus
Peacock Coquette Lophornis pavoninus
Black-crested Coquette Lophornis helenae
White-crested Coquette Lophornis adorabilis
Ecuadorian Piedtail Phlogophilus hemileucurus
Peruvian Piedtail Phlogophilus harterti
Orange-throated Sunangel Heliangelus mavors
Longuemare’s Sunangel Heliangelus clarisse
Merida Sunangel Heliangelus spencei
Amethyst-throated Sunangel Heliangelus amethysticollis
Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus
Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis
Flame-throated Sunangel Heliangelus micraster
Purple-throated Sunangel Heliangelus viola
Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys
Grey-bellied Comet Taphrolesbia griseiventris
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii
Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis
Venezuelan Sylph Aglaiocercus berlepschi
Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganurus
Black-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron dorsale
Purple-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron microrhynchum
Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae
Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna
Ecuadorian Hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo
Blue-throated Hillstar Oreotrochilus cyanolaemus
Grean-headed Hillstar Oreotrochilus stolzmanni
Black-breasted Hillstar Oreotrochilus melanogaster
Andean Hillstar Oreotrochilus estella
White-sided Hillstar Oreotrochilus leucopleurus
Wedge-tailed Hillstar Oreotrochilus adela
Bronze-tailed Comet Polyonymus caroli
Mountain Avocetbill Opisthoprora euryptera
Perija Metaltail Metallura iracunda
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina
Viridian Metaltail Metallura williami
Violet-throated Metaltail Metallura baroni
Neblina Metaltail Metallura odomae
Coppery Metaltail Metallura theresiae
Fiery-throated Metaltail Metallura eupogon
Scaled Metaltail Metallura aeneocauda
Black Metaltail Metallura phoebe
Bearded Mountaineer Oreonympha nobilis
Blue-bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon cyanolaemus
White-bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon lindenii
Green-bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon guerinii
Buffy Helmetcrest Oxypogon stuebelii
Rufous-capped Thornbill Chalcostigma ruficeps
Olivaceous Thornbill Chalcostigma olivaceum
Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi
Bronze-tailed Thornbill Chalcostigma heteropogon
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas
Green-throated Mountaingem Lampornis viridipallens
Green-breasted Mountaingem Lampornis sybillae
Amethyst-throated Mountaingem Lampornis amethystinus
Blue-throated Mountaingem Lampornis clemenciae
White-bellied Mountaingem Lampornis hemileucus
Purple-throated Mountaingem Lampornis calolaemus
White-throated Mountaingem Lampornis castaneoventris
Garnet-throated Hummingbird Lamprolaima rhami
Rivoli’s Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens
Admirable Hummingbird Eugenes spectabilis
Fiery-throated Hummingbird Panterpe insignis
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris
Plain-capped Starthroat Heliomaster constantii
Stripe-breasted Starthroat Heliomaster squamosus
Blue-tufted Starthroat Heliomaster furcifer
Sparkling-tailed Woodstar Tilmatura dupontii
Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystina
Peruvian Sheartail Thaumastura cora
Short-tailed Woodstar Myrmia micrura
Purple-collared Woodstar Myrtis fanny
Oasis Hummingbird Rhodopis vesper
Chilean Woodstar Eulidia yarrellii
Purple-throated Woodstar Philodice mitchellii
Magenta-throated Woodstar Philodice bryantae
Slender-tailed Woodstar Microstilbon burmeisteri
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant
Little Woodstar Chaetocercus bombus
Gorgeted Woodstar Chaetocercus heliodor
Santa Marta Woodstar Chaetocercus astreans
Esmeraldas Woodstar Chaetocercus berlepschi
Rufous-shafted Woodstar Chaetocercus jourdanii
Lucifer Sheartail Calothorax lucifer
Beautiful Sheartail Calothorax pulcher
Slender Sheartail Doricha enicura
Mexican Sheartail Doricha eliza
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris
Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri
Bahama Woodstar Nesophlox evelynae
Inagua Woodstar Nesophlox lyrura
Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae
Vervain Hummingbird Mellisuga minima
Anna’s Hummingbird Calypte anna
Costa’s Hummingbird Calypte costae
Calliope Hummingbird Selasphorus calliope
Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus
Allen’s Hummingbird Selasphorus sasin
Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus
Bumblebee Hummingbird Selasphorus heloisa
Wine-throated Hummingbird Selasphorus ellioti
Volcano Hummingbird Selasphorus flammula
Scintillant Hummingbird Selasphorus scintilla
Glow-throated Hummingbird Selasphorus ardens
Dusky Hummingbird Phaeoptila sordida
Cuban Emerald Riccordia ricordii
Hispaniolan Emerald Riccordia swainsonii
Puerto Rican Emerald Riccordia maugaeus
Blue-headed Hummingbird Riccordia bicolor
Broad-billed Hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris
Tres Marias Hummingbird Cynanthus lawrencei
Turquoise-crowned Hummingbird Cynanthus doubledayi
Golden-crowned Emerald Cynanthus auriceps
Cozumel Emerald Cynanthus forficatus
Canivet’s Emerald Cynanthus canivetii
Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus
Chiribiquete Emerald Chlorostilbon olivaresi
Red-billed Emerald Chlorostilbon gibsoni
Glittering-bellied Emerald Chlorostilbon lucidus
Short-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon poortmani
Narrow-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon stenurus
Green-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon alice
Coppery Emerald Chlorostilbon russatus
Garden Emerald Chlorostilbon assimilis
Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus
Xantus’s Hummingbird Basilinna xantusii
White-eared Hummingbird Basilinna leucotis
Rufous Sabrewing Pampa rufa
Curve-winged Sabrewing Pampa curvipennis
Emerald-chinned Hummingbird Abeillia abeillei
Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti
Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhyncus cristatus
Santa Marta Blossomcrown Anthocephala floriceps
Tolima Blossomcrown Anthocephala berlepschi
Green-crowned Plovercrest Stephanoxis lalandi
Purple-crowned Plovercrest Stephanoxis loddigesii
Grey-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus largipennis
Outcrop Sabrewing Campylopterus calcirupicola
Diamantina Sabrewing Campylopterus diamantinensis
Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus
Rufous-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus hyperythrus
Buff-breasted Sabrewing Campylopterus duidae
Napo Sabrewing Campylopterus villaviscensio
Lazuline Sabrewing Campylopterus falcatus
Santa Marta Sabrewing Campylopterus phainopeplus
White-tailed Sabrewing Campylopterus ensipennis
Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer Chalybura urochrysia
White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffonii
Violet-capped Woodnymph Thalurania glaucopis
Long-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania watertonii
Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica
Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata
Snowcap Microchera albocoronata
Coppery-headed Emerald Microchera cupreiceps
White-tailed Emerald Microchera chionura
Violet-capped Hummingbird Goldmania violiceps
Pirre Hummingbird Goldmania bella
Mexican Woodnymph Eupherusa ridgwayi
White-tailed Hummingbird Eupherusa poliocerca
Oaxaca Hummingbird Eupherusa cyanophrys
Stripe-tailed Hummingbird Eupherusa eximia
Black-bellied Hummingbird Eupherusa nigriventris
Buffy Hummingbird Leucippus fallax
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii
Spot-throated Hummingbird Thaumasius taczanowskii
Tumbes Hummingbird Thaumasius baeri
Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus
Sombre Hummingbird Eupetomena cirrochloris
Swallow-tailed Hummingbird Eupetomena macroura
Olive-spotted Hummingbird Talaphorus chlorocercus
Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus
Black-billed Streamertail Trochilus scitulus
Violet-crowned Hummingbird Ramosomyia violiceps
Green-fronted Hummingbird Ramosomyia viridifrons
Azure-crowned Hummingbird Saucerottia cyanocephala
Blue-vented Hummingbird Saucerottia hoffmanni
Berylline Hummingbird Saucerottia beryllina
Blue-tailed Hummingbird Saucerottia cyanura
Snowy-bellied Hummingbird Saucerottia edward
Steely-vented Hummingbird Saucerottia saucerottei
Indigo-capped Hummingbird Saucerottia cyanifrons
Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird Saucerottia castaneiventris
Green-bellied Hummingbird Saucerottia viridigaster
Copper-tailed Hummingbird Saucerottia cupreicauda
Copper-rumped Hummingbird Saucerottia tobaci
Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila
Buff-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia yucatanensis
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl
Honduran Emerald Amazilia luciae
Amazilia Hummingbird Amazillis amazilia
Andean Emerald Uranomitre franciae
Versicolored Emerald Chrysuronia versicolor
Shining-green Hummingbird Chrysuronia goudoti
Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone
Mangrove Hummingbird Chrysuronia boucardi
Sapphire-throated Hummingbird Chrysuronia coeruleogularis
Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird Chrysuronia lilliae
Humboldt’s Sapphire Chrysuronia humboldtii
Blue-headed Sapphire Chrysuronia grayi
White-chested Emerald Chrysuronia brevirostris
Plain-bellied Emerald Chrysuronia leucogaster
White-throated Hummingbird Leucochloris albicollis
Sapphire-spangled Emerald Chionomesa lactea
Glittering-throated Emerald Chionomesa fimbriata
Rufous-throated Sapphire Hylocharis sapphirina
Gilded Sapphire Hylocharis chrysura
Green-and-white Hummingbird Elliotomyia viridicauda
White-bellied Hummingbird Elliotomyia chionogaster
Purple-chested Hummingbird Polyerata rosenbergi
Blue-chested Hummingbird Polyerata amabilis
Charming Hummingbird Polyerata decora
White-bellied Emerald Chlorestes candida
Blue-throated Sapphire Chlorestes eliciae
White-chinned Sapphire Chlorestes cyanus
Violet-bellied Hummingbird Chlorestes julie
Blue-chinned Sapphire Chlorestes notata
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Hummer Study Group
Facebook PageThe Hummer/Bird Study Group (HBSG) is dedicated to the study and preservation of hummingbirds and other Neo-tropical migrants (songbirds). The research programs with hummingbirds and migrating songbirds have been under way since 1987… -
Hummingbird Conservation Network
WebsiteHelping hummingbirds survive, reproduce, and thrive. -
Hummingbird Research
WebsiteFred began researching winter hummingbirds in the southeastern United States in 1997 with a primary focus on south Alabama and Florida. From 1998 to 2008, Fred banded 1,598 wintering hummingbirds of ten species in those two states. His ground-breaking research was documented in "Wintering hummingbirds in Alabama and Florida: species diversity, sex and age ratios, and site fidelity," a scientific paper coauthored with Doreen Cubie and published in the June 2009 issue of the Journal of Field Ornithology, a peer-reviewed publication -
Hummingbird Society
WebsiteA website dedicated to hummingbird fans everywhere -
Operation Rubythroat - the Hummingbird Project
WebsiteBuilding Environmental Cooperation and Understanding Throughout North and Central America
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Exploring the World of Hummingbirds
| By Tracy C Read | Firefly Books | 2017 | Paperback | 24 pages, colour photos | ISBN: 9781770859470 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Hummingbirds - A Celebration of Nature's Jewels
| By Glenn Bartley & Andy Swash et al | WILDGuides | 2022 | Hardback | 288 pages, 540+ colour photos, colour & b/w illustrations, and colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780691182124 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Hummingbirds - Marvels of the Bird World
| By Stan Tekiela | Adventures Publications | 2022 | Paperback | 160 pages, colour photos | ISBN: 9781647552466 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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Trochilidae
Family AccountIn the sugar-charged lives of the world’s smallest birds, sexual selection has taken over, with males vying for mates by competing in leks or defending rich nectar resources. -
Trochilidae
Family AccountHummingbirds are birds native to the Americas and comprise the biological family Trochilidae. With approximately 375 species and 113 genera, they occur from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but most species are found in Central and South America.
Given that this is among the largest of non-passerine families, Fatbirder does not provide quick links to all of them. However, the entries below do include links to representatives of the largest genera, all those illustrated and some of the most often encountered, iconic or sought-after species.
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Amazilia Hummingbird Amazillis amazilia
Species AccountA green-and-chestnut hummingbird with plumage that varies throughout its range. -
Amazilia Hummingbird Amazillis amazilia
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Andean Emerald Uranomitre franciae
Species AccountThe Andean emerald (Uranomitra franciae) is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. -
Andean Emerald Uranomitre franciae
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna
Species AccountAnna's hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a North American species of hummingbird named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli. I -
Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhyncus cristatus
Species AccountThe Antillean crested hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus) is a species of hummingbird in the Trochilidae family. It is found in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, north-east Puerto Rico, Saba, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Eustatius, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Lesser Antilles -
Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhyncus cristatus
Species AccountOrthorhyncus cristatus is listed as Least Concern. -
Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhyncus cristatus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Bahama Woodstar Nesophlox evelynae
Species AccountA small, long-tailed hummingbird of wooded and scrubby habitats including gardens; most often found feeding on flowers or at hummingbird feeders. -
Bahama Woodstar Nesophlox evelynae
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae
Species AccountThe bee hummingbird, zunzuncito or Helena hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is a species of hummingbird, native to the island of Cuba in the Caribbean. -
Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Black Inca Coeligena prunellei
Species AccountThe black inca (Coeligena prunellei) is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to Colombia. -
Black Inca Coeligena prunellei
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Black Metaltail Metallura phoebe
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Black Metaltail Metallura phoebe
Species AccountThe black metaltail (Metallura phoebe) is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. It is endemic to Peru. -
Black-bellied Hummingbird Eupherusa nigriventris
Species AccountDistinctive small hummingbird. Male has mostly black body and bright white outer tail feathers, a combination unlike any other hummingbird species. -
Black-bellied Hummingbird Eupherusa nigriventris
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Black-hooded Sunbeam Aglaeactis pamela
Species AccountThe black-hooded sunbeam (Aglaeactis pamela) is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. -
Black-hooded Sunbeam Aglaeactis pamela
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis
Species AccountThe black-throated mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis) is a species in subfamily Polytminae of the hummingbird family Trochilidae. -
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Blue-bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon cyanolaemus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Blue-bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon cyanolaemus
Species AccountOne of the world's rarest and most endangered hummingbirds, found only at extremely high elevations in Colombia's Santa Marta Mountains. -
Blue-throated Sapphire Chlorestes eliciae
Species AccountThe blue-throated goldentail (Chlorestes eliciae), also known as the blue-throated sapphire, is a species of hummingbird in the family Trochilidae. -
Blue-throated Sapphire Chlorestes eliciae
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Blue-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena helianthea
Species AccountLarge and dazzling hummingbird found in the Andes of northern Colombia and barely into western Venezuela. -
Blue-throated Starfrontlet Coeligena helianthea
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Blue-tufted Starthroat Heliomaster furcifer
Species AccountThe blue-tufted starthroat (Heliomaster furcifer) is a species of hummingbird in the "mountain gems", tribe Lampornithini in subfamily Trochilinae. -
Blue-tufted Starthroat Heliomaster furcifer
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Buffy Hummingbird Leucippus fallax
Species AccountThe buffy hummingbird (Leucippus fallax) is a species of bird in the hummingbird family Trochilidae. -
Buffy Hummingbird Leucippus fallax
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Bumblebee Hummingbird Selasphorus heloisa
Species AccountThe bumblebee hummingbird (Selasphorus heloisa) is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the bee hummingbirds. -
Bumblebee Hummingbird Selasphorus heloisa
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Butterfly Coquette Discosura verreauxii
Species AccountThe butterfly coquette (Lophornis verreauxii) is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. -
Butterfly Coquette Discosura verreauxii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Canivet's Emerald Cynanthus canivetii
Species AccountCanivet's emerald (Cynanthus canivetii) is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. -
Canivet's Emerald Cynanthus canivetii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Charming Hummingbird Polyerata decora
Species AccountNearly identical to Blue-chested Hummingbird but no range overlap. -
Charming Hummingbird Polyerata decora
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii
Species AccountBelligerent hummingbird of Andean cloud forest; ranges from far southwestern Colombia south to Peru. -
Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila
Species AccountThe cinnamon hummingbird (Amazilia rutila) is a species of hummingbird (named for its brilliant brown gold color) in the tribe of the 'emeralds'... -
Cinnamon Hummingbird Amazilia rutila
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Copper-tailed Hummingbird Saucerottia cupreicauda
Species AccountThis hummingbird is found in humid forest in mountainous regions of eastern Venezuela, the Guianas, and northern Brazil. -
Copper-tailed Hummingbird Saucerottia cupreicauda
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Crimson Topaz Topaza pella
Species AccountLarge, distinctive hummingbird. Superb male is mostly red and essentially unmistakable; female best told by large size and mostly green plumage with orange... -
Crimson Topaz Topaza pella
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Curve-winged Sabrewing Pampa curvipennis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Curve-winged Sabrewing Pampa curvipennis
Species AccountVery large but rather drab hummingbird of tropical lowland forest and edge. -
Dusky Hummingbird Phaeoptila sordida
Species AccountThe dusky hummingbird (Phaeoptila sordida) is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. -
Dusky Hummingbird Phaeoptila sordida
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Emerald-chinned Hummingbird Abeillia abeillei
Species AccountThe emerald-chinned hummingbird (Abeillia abeillei) is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. -
Emerald-chinned Hummingbird Abeillia abeillei
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas
Species AccountGiant Hummingbird Patagona gigas Flight is “slow” with powerful wingbeats, often hovering in jerky manner and chasing insects. -
Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Green Thorntail Discosura conversii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Green Thorntail Discosura conversii
Species AccountThe green thorntail (Discosura conversii) is a small hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. -
Green-and-white Hummingbird Elliotomyia viridicauda
Species AccountMedium-sized hummingbird of middle elevations. -
Green-and-white Hummingbird Elliotomyia viridicauda
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Little Hermit Phaethornis longuemareus
Species AccountTiny, mostly warm brown hummingbird. Note distinctive curved bill; long, white central tail feathers; and dark brown throat. -
Little Hermit Phaethornis longuemareus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii
Species AccountStriking hummingbird with extremely long tail. Male is mostly emerald green with blue-green throat and long forked tail. -
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Mangrove Hummingbird Chrysuronia boucardi
Species AccountThis restricted species is found only along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, most often in or near mangrove trees. -
Mangrove Hummingbird Chrysuronia boucardi
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus
Species AccountThe many-spotted hummingbird (Taphrospilus hypostictus) is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. -
Marvelous Spatuletail Loddigesia mirabilis
Species AccountThe marvelous spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis) is an endangered species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. -
Marvelous Spatuletail Loddigesia mirabilis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Olive-spotted Hummingbird Talaphorus chlorocercus
Species AccountMedium-sized, drab-greenish hummingbird. Dull green above, with diffuse olive spotting underneath, and a white belly. -
Olive-spotted Hummingbird Talaphorus chlorocercus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Puerto Rican Emerald Riccordia maugaeus
Species AccountA lively inhabitant of most wooded habitats, coffee plantations, and gardens. -
Puerto Rican Emerald Riccordia maugaeus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Purple-crowned Plovercrest Stephanoxis loddigesii
Species AccountThe purple-crowned plovercrest, or violet-crowned plovercrest, (Stephanoxis loddigesii) is a species of hummingbird in the emeralds... -
Purple-crowned Plovercrest Stephanoxis loddigesii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Purple-throated Mountaingem Lampornis calolaemus
Species AccountThe purple-throated mountaingem (Lampornis calolaemus) is a species of hummingbird in tribe Lampornithini of subfamily Trochilinae. -
Purple-throated Mountaingem Lampornis calolaemus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani
Species AccountThe rainbow-bearded thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani) is a species of hummingbird in the "coquettes", tribe Lesbiini of subfamily Lesbiinae. -
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus
Species AccountThis long-tailed beauty is Jamaica's national bird along with Black-billed Streamertail, which is now considered a separate species. -
Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganurus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Red-tailed Comet Sappho sparganurus
Species AccountUnmistakable and spectacular hummingbird of the high Andes and outlying mountains from near the Peru-Bolivia border south to central Argentina. -
Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis
Species AccountImpressive hummingbird found in stunted cloud forest along the east slope of the Andes in southeastern Ecuador and northern Peru. -
Royal Sunangel Heliangelus regalis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris
Species AccountThe ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a species of hummingbird that generally spends the winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida. -
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Rufous-throated Sapphire Hylocharis sapphirina
Species AccountA small hummingbird with a straight red bill with a black tip. -
Rufous-throated Sapphire Hylocharis sapphirina
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Sapphire-spangled Emerald Chionomesa lactea
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Sapphire-spangled Emerald Chionomesa lactea
Species AccountA commonly encountered small hummingbird with a glittering green back, violet-blue throat and breast, green flanks... -
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani
Species AccountLarge, lanky hummingbird of the high Andes; ranges from extreme southern Colombia south to Peru. -
Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii
Species AccountThe scaly-breasted hummingbird or scaly-breasted sabrewing (Phaeochroa cuvierii) is a species of hummingbird in the emeralds... -
Scaly-breasted Hummingbird Phaeochroa cuvierii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Snowcap Microchera albocoronata
Species AccountThe snowcap (Microchera albocoronata) is a small hummingbird. It is the only member of the genus Microchera. -
Snowcap Microchera albocoronata
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans
Species AccountThe sparkling violetear (Colibri coruscans) is a species of hummingbird widespread in highlands of northern and western South America. -
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Spot-throated Hummingbird Thaumasius taczanowskii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Spot-throated Hummingbird Thaumasius taczanowskii
Species AccountA large, drab hummingbird restricted to the Marañon drainage of northern Peru and extreme southern Ecuador. -
Swallow-tailed Hummingbird Eupetomena macroura
Species AccountLarge, unmistakable hummingbird commonly encountered in both open and semiopen habitats, including forest edges, plantations, and urban areas. -
Swallow-tailed Hummingbird Eupetomena macroura
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera
Species AccountUnmistakable. This ridiculous hummingbird has the longest bill in relation to its body size of any bird in the world. -
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Tolima Blossomcrown Anthocephala berlepschi
Species AccountSmall hummingbird mostly confined to Colombia's central Andes, also reaching the eastern Andes in the southern part of the country. -
Tolima Blossomcrown Anthocephala berlepschi
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus
Species AccountThe violet sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus) is a species of hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of the subfamily Trochilinae. -
Violet Sabrewing Campylopterus hemileucurus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Violet-capped Hummingbird Goldmania violiceps
Species AccountMedium-sized hummingbird with a tiny range from central Panama to extreme northwest Colombia. -
Violet-capped Hummingbird Goldmania violiceps
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica
Species AccountThe violet-crowned woodnymph (Thalurania colombica colombica), also known as the purple-crowned woodnymph, is a medium-sized hummingbird found from Guatemala and Belize to northern Colombia and western Venezuela. It is now considered by the AOU as the nominate subspecies of the crowned woodnymph. -
Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica
Species AccountThalurania colombica is listed as Least Concern. -
Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri
Species AccountChunky, stout-billed hummingbird of mid-elevation cloud forest. Plumage is mostly glittering emerald-green. -
Violet-fronted Brilliant Heliodoxa leadbeateri
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti
Species AccountTiny compact hummingbird. Note short straight bill and bold white spot behind eye. -
Wedge-tailed Hillstar Oreotrochilus adela
Species AccountBeautiful and distinctive hummingbird of Polylepis woodpland and adjacent scrub in the high Andes from the Argentina-Bolivia border to Cochabamba. -
Wedge-tailed Hillstar Oreotrochilus adela
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus
Species AccountSmall hummingbird usually found in fairly open dry habitats or forest edges in western Ecuador and Colombia... -
Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
White-Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii
Species AccountThe white-booted racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) is a species of hummingbird in the "brilliants", tribe Heliantheini in subfamily Lesbiinae. -
White-Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora
Species AccountRather large, spectacular hummingbird of humid tropical lowlands that favors forest edges, adjacent clearings with scattered trees and flowering bushes... -
White-throated Hummingbird Leucochloris albicollis
Species AccountVery distinctive humminbird; both sexes have mossy green bodies and bold white throats and bellies. -
White-throated Hummingbird Leucochloris albicollis
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffonii
Species AccountMedium-sized hummingbird, male mostly green with turquoise tones. -
White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffonii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Wine-throated Hummingbird Selasphorus ellioti
Species AccountTiny (bumblebee-sized) hummingbird of humid forest in the mountains of Chiapas and south to Honduras... -
Wine-throated Hummingbird Selasphorus ellioti
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map. -
Xantus's Hummingbird Basilinna xantusii
Species AccountStocky, medium-sized hummingbird of the southern half of Baja California peninsula. -
Xantus's Hummingbird Basilinna xantusii
Species AccountSound archive and distribution map.
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The Hummingbird Forum
ForumA friendly place to discuss hummingbirds and the flowers that attract them…
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Hummingbird Festivals
Easy to Follow resource list of Hummingbird Festivals, Banding Events, Exhibits and Workshops listed by date and state.Discovery Center, 50 Main street, Ketchikon, AK 99901 mailto:r10_ketchikan_alaska_info@fs.fed.us
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Fanned by the Wings of Angels
VideoFatbirder's own Hummingbird encounter
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Hummingbird Pics
WebsiteMayan wisemen and elders said that the Gods created all things on Earth and in that moment, each animal, each tree and even each stone had a mission. However, when the Gods had finished, they noticed that there was no one responsible for carrying their wishes and thoughts. Because there was no more mud or corn to create more animals, they took a jade stone and made a tiny arrow with it. When the Gods finished, they blew on the small arrow, breathing life into it. It was an arrow no more but had a life; the Gods had made the hummingbird. -
Hummingbirds Net
WebsiteThe website for information on attracting, watching, feeding, and studying North American hummingbirds. -
Hummingbirds Plus
WebsiteHummingbirds Plus - the leading source for hummingbird information & research online. Feeders, News, Study Group & More. -
Unpave the Way for Hummingbirds
WebsiteHow to Create a Haven for Hummingbirds! Hummingbirds rely on nectar as a major part of their diet. You can attract hummingbirds to your yard and help them along on their long journey by providing a hummingbird feeder with sugar water and by planting a hummingbird garden to provide natural nectar plants too!
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Scott Kemp - Hand-feeding Hummingbirds
VideoExcellent footage of hummers coming to the hand!