g on the angle of inclination in relation to the sun's rays, as well as in relation to the angle of human vision.
Hummingbird
The hummingbird family is quite motley and is known to scientists under the Latin name "Trochilidae".
In terms of anatomy, hummingbirds are similar to passerines, as they have a short neck, long wings and a medium-sized head. You could say that the similarity ends there, as hummingbirds boast large varieties of beaks, beautiful feather coloration, etc., which is not the case with passerines.
As a rule, males have a brighter and more attractive coloring of their appearance. At the same time, they have various small tufts of feathers on their heads, in the form of tufts. The shape of the beak can be both straight and curved in any direction, and also differs in size.
Interesting to know! The upper half of the beak encircles the lower part, with no bristles at the base of the beak. But the hummingbird can boast a long split tongue, with the help of which the bird feeds on the nectar of inflorescences.
These birds have short and poorly developed legs, so it is impossible to see them moving on the ground. They are only able to cling to a branch and stay on it. Thus it is necessary to notice that strong paws of this bird are not necessary, as they spend the basic time of the life in the air, searching for food.
Plumage and wings
In their structure, the wings of hummingbirds are similar to the wings of butterflies, because the bones in them are fused, and a large usable area of the wings is obtained. In order to steer the wings of a larger area, strong muscles and a fairly mobile shoulder joint are required. Their share of the bird's total body mass is at least 25 percent.
Although the family has a variety of tail shapes, they all consist of 10 rudder feathers. The only exception is the rocket-tailed hummingbird, which has a tail consisting of only 4 rudder feathers. Hummingbirds are called flying jewels, due to the presence of bright and varied in color plumage, with a metallic cast. The feathers of birds have amazing properties: their color can change depending on the angle of inclination in relation to the sun's rays, as well as in relation to the angle of human vision.
Hummingbird species
To date, scientists know of 330 classified hummingbird species. Among this set there are both small (very) and large feathery species.
The largest species is considered a hummingbird giant, because its body length reaches 20 cm or more. This species is found within South America, even in mountainous areas at an altitude of about five thousand meters. The bird is distinguished by its straight but long beak and tail resembling a pitchfork.
Type of hummingbird bee is considered the smallest of the entire family because it grows to a length of just over 5 and a half cm and weighs just over a gram and a half. The tiny hummingbird is found exclusively in Cuba.
Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are home to the Eagle-billed Hummingbird. Its peculiarity lies in the shape of its beak, which is curved downward, almost 90 degrees.
An interesting point! Ochre-billed hummingbird, aka red celasphorus appeared in Russia at one time. This happened in 1976, when this bird was seen on the island Ratmanova, while, according to eyewitnesses, ochre hummingbird seen in Chukotka and on Wrangel Island.
Habitats of the Red-throated Hummingbird are habitats of North America, and the bird migrates to Mexico for wintering. Adults are about 8 and a half centimeters long and have a long and thin beak.
The swordwing is another member of the family with a rather long beak compared to its body length. Its length is more than 10 centimeters, with a maximum body length of 23 centimeters. The main body color of this bird is dark green.
Natural habitats
For their habitat hummingbirds choose places where there is a lot of fragrant vegetation with flowers. As a rule, such places are located in the tropics.
Almost all hummingbirds are native to the New World. Therefore, their habitat extends to Central and South America, including the south of North America. They are mostly sedentary birds, with a few exceptions. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is not. Its natural habitat is associated with the northern borders, jutting into Canada and the Rocky Mountains.
This hummingbird species prefers to live an isolated lifestyle, but with the onset of cold weather it has to fly away to the more comfortable areas of Mexico. Thus, the bird overcomes the route, which is almost 5 thousand kilometers long, at a speed of almost 80 km/h, which is quite decent for such a bird.
For most species, their habitat is limited to a particular territory. As a rule, such species are called endemics. A prime example of such a species is the hummingbird bee, which inhabits only the territory of Cuba.
Behavior and lifestyle
In spite of the fact that hummingbirds are generally not large, they are capable of fending for themselves, if that includes
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