Mellisuga helenae
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.
Length
5cm to 6.1cm
Wingspan
3.2cm to 4.3cm
Weight
1.6g to 2.6g
Smallest living bird by length
Record: 5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches) in length
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Up to 800 meters
Tropical
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Bee Hummingbird. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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