Hummingbirds
Trochilidae
Family Distribution
This map shows the combined distribution of all species in the Trochilidae family.
Colour intensity indicates the number of species present in each region:
- Darker colours = More species
- Lighter colours = Fewer species
Notable Species
Attribute Champions
The Bee Hummingbird displays extraordinary agility, capable of beating its wings up to 80 times per second during normal flight and an astounding 200 times per second during courtship displays. Its ability to hover, fly backwards, and perform complex aerial manoeuvres places it at the pinnacle of avian agility.
Despite its remarkable flight capabilities, the Bee Hummingbird's tiny size (5-6.1 cm in length and weighing only 1.6-2.6 g) inherently limits its physical strength compared to larger birds. However, relative to its size, it possesses considerable strength to maintain its high-energy lifestyle.
The Bee Hummingbird demonstrates high adaptability by thriving in various habitats from dense forests to gardens, and at elevations up to 800 metres. Its ability to exploit a wide range of nectar sources and supplement its diet with insects shows considerable ecological flexibility.
These diminutive birds exhibit surprising aggression, particularly in defending their feeding territories from other hummingbirds. Their fierce territorial behaviour, coupled with the males' impressive courtship displays, indicates a notably aggressive temperament for their size.
The Bee Hummingbird's endurance is remarkable, considering its high-energy lifestyle. With heart rates reaching up to 1,260 beats per minute during flight and the ability to visit up to 1,500 flowers daily, these tiny birds demonstrate exceptional stamina. Their capacity for sustained high-intensity activity is truly impressive.
