Bee Hummingbird
Near ThreatenedMellisuga helenae
Visual Identification
Bee Hummingbird
Appearance
The Bee Hummingbird is the world's smallest bird, measuring a mere 5-6.1 cm in length. Males in breeding plumage display brilliant iridescent plumage, with a fiery red-pink gorget, bluish upper parts, and a grey-white underside. Their tiny size and jewel-like colors make them truly distinctive.
Females are slightly larger but less colorful, and similar to non-breeding males, with a green back, pale grey underparts, and white-tipped tail feathers. Both sexes have a short, straight black bill and pink feet, perfectly adapted for their diminutive size.
While similar to the more common Cuban Emerald hummingbird, females can be distinguished by their smaller size, shorter tail, and whiter underparts.
Size
Length
5cm to 6.1cm
Wingspan
3.2cm to 4.3cm
Weight
1.6g to 2.6g
Special Accolade
Smallest Bird
Smallest living bird by length
Record: 5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches) in length
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Endemic to Cuba, Bee Hummingbirds inhabit dense forests, woodland edges, and gardens across the main island and the Isle of Youth. They show a preference for lowland areas but can be found up to 800 meters in elevation.
While most common in the Zapata Peninsula and mountainous regions of eastern Cuba, they may occasionally be spotted in suitable habitats throughout the country. Their distribution remains relatively stable year-round, as they are non-migratory.
While historically found across Cuba and the Isle of Youth, they are now primarily found in three main regions: the Guanahacabibes Peninsula in the west, the Zapata Swamp, and the eastern part of the island
Elevation Range
Up to 800 meters
Climate zones
Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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Diet
Bee Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from a variety of small flowers, particularly those of lianas, vines, and epiphytes. They supplement their diet with tiny insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins.
They feed on nectar from a variety of native Cuban plants, including hibiscus, aloe, and mangrove flowers. Interestingly, chicks will even catch tiny insects that come within reach of their nest.
Their long, extendable tongues allow them to reach nectar deep within flower corollas.
Behaviour
Bee Hummingbirds exhibit remarkable agility, capable of beating their wings up to 80 times per second during normal flight and up to 200 times per second during courtship displays.
They are solitary birds, fiercely defending their feeding territories from other hummingbirds. During courtship, males perform impressive aerial displays, flying up to 25 meters before diving at high speed.
Vocalisation
Bee Hummingbirds produce high-pitched, squeaky vocalizations that sound remarkably like insect buzzes. Their calls include a soft, repeated 'tsip-tsip-tsip' and a more intense 'tik-tik-tik' when agitated.
During courtship, males emit a distinctive buzzing sound, like a bumblebee, with their wings, giving them their name.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs mainly from March to June. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in U-shaped patterns to attract females. Once paired, the female takes sole responsibility for nesting and chick-rearing.
Nests are tiny cups about 3 cm wide, constructed from plant fibers, cobwebs, and lichen on thin twigs or leaves. Females typically lay two white eggs, each about the size of a coffee bean.
Incubation lasts 21-22 days, and chicks fledge after around 18 days. The wide ranges in incubation and fledging periods reflect the limited data available and potential environmental influences.
Lifespan
years
The Bee Hummingbird typically lives for 7 to 10 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Bee Hummingbird is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring their native forest habitats in Cuba.
Climate change poses an additional threat, potentially affecting the timing and availability of nectar sources crucial for their survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for tiny, fast-moving birds near flowering plants
- Listen for their high-pitched, mouse-like squeaks
- Observe nectar feeders in gardens within their range
- Use binoculars to spot their distinctive iridescent plumage
- Visit Cuban nature reserves for the best chance of sightings
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Zunzuncito, Helena Hummingbird, Bumblebee Hummingbird
Family:
TrochilidaePredators
Main predators include small birds of prey, snakes, and introduced mammals such as rats and feral cats.
Did You Know?
- The Bee Hummingbird's brain is 2.5% of its body weight, the largest brain-to-body ratio of any bird.
- Their hearts can beat up to 1,260 times per minute during flight.
- They can visit up to 1,500 flowers in a single day.
- Despite their tiny size, they can fly at speeds of 25 to 30 mph.
- In captivity, they can live up to 10 years.
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References
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website: BirdLife International. 2021. Mellisuga helenae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22688214A178593744.
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