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Attracting Feeding Hummingbirds
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Hummingbird
Facts and Myths
Of all the wild birds that we attract to
our homes... the Hummingbird is probably the most mythical. You've heard
the myth of Hummingbirds hitching a ride during migration? Is it a fact or
a myth? Hummingbirds only feed from red flowers? Fact or Myth?
Hummingbird
Myths
- Myth: Hummingbirds hitch a ride
during migration
Fact: There is no scientific documentation that proves
Hummingbirds do in fact hitch a ride on the backs of geese during
migration.
- Myth: Hummingbirds only feed from
red flowers
Fact: Hummingbirds will feed from any color of flower that is rich
in nectar.
- Myth: Hummingbirds only feed on
nectar
Fact: Hummingbirds also eat
small insects that they catch while flying or perched... which
supplies them with necessary protein.
- Myth: Keeping feeders up during
fall will postpone migration
Fact: Hummingbirds have a built in instinct that triggers
migration. Leaving feeders up late in the fall will not postpone
migration. In fact leaving feeders up provides a food source for
hummingbirds that are passing thru.
- Myth: Hummingbirds mate while
flying.
Fact: Hummingbirds mate while perched. During mating season it may
appear that hummingbirds are mating in the air... but its just part of
their ritual.
Hummingbird Facts
- Hummingbirds are the smallest bird in
the world.
- Hummingbirds have the largest heart of
all birds pound for pound.
- Hummingbirds have virtually no sense
of smell, but their eye sight is excellent.
- Hummingbirds can flap their wings over
60 times per minute.
- When active... A Hummingbirds heart
can beat over 1,000 times per minute.
- Hummingbirds can easily consume one
half of their weight daily.
- A Hummingbirds beak is only half as
long as its tongue.
- Hummingbirds are poor walkers.
- Some Hummingbirds can fly over 45
miles per hour.
- Hummingbirds can fly forward,
backward, upside down, and hover. A feat most birds can't do.
- Some Hummingbirds fly over 3,000 miles
during migration.
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