The Bee Hummingbird
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The bee hummingbird or zunzuncito (Mellisuga helenae) is a
species of hummingbird that is endemic to dense forests and woodland edges on
the main island of Cuba and (formerly) on the Isla de la Juventud, also part
of the nation of Cuba.
Mass of approximately 1.6–2 g (0.056–0.071 oz) and a length of
5–6 cm (2.0–2.4 in), it is the smallest living bird.
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Using bits of cobwebs, bark, and lichen, the female bee
hummingbird builds a cup-shaped nest that is only about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in
diameter. Nests have been built on single clothespins. She lines the nest
with soft plant fibers. In this nest she lays her eggs, which are no bigger
than peas. She alone incubates the eggs and raises the young.
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The Bee Hummingbird looks rounded and chunky.
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As the smallest bird in the world, it is no larger than a big
insect and, as its name suggests, is scarcely larger than a bee.
Like all hummingbirds, it is a swift, strong flier. It also can
hover over one spot like a helicopter.
The bee hummingbird beats
its wings an estimated 80 times per second — so fast that the wings look like
a blur to human eyes.
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In the space of one day the bee hummingbird may visit 1,500
flowers.
The male is smaller than the female.
#bee hummingbird #smallest bird
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Wow this is amazing...
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