ExploreBird

Bee Hummingbird

Mellisuga helenae

The Bee Hummingbird is the tiniest bird in the world! It's like a colorful fairy that flits from flower to flower, sipping sweet nectar with its long, delicate beak.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Bee Hummingbird is the smallest bird, measuring under 6 cm. Males boast brilliant iridescent red-orange heads and throats with a green back, while females are duller green with white undersides. Its tiny size and shimmering plumage make it visually unique.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderApodiformesFamilyTrochilidaeGenusMellisuga

Bee Hummingbird

Interesting facts

An adult Bee Hummingbird weighs less than a penny coin!

Their heart beats up to 1,260 times a minute, even when resting!

Their nest is smaller than a thimble and often decorated with lichen!

They visit up to 1,500 flowers a day to drink sugary nectar!

Special abilities

Bee Hummingbird can hover perfectly still mid-air because of their unique wing structure that allows 360-degree rotation.

Bee Hummingbird has the fastest wingbeat of any bird, up to 200 beats per second, which helps them fly incredibly fast.

Bee Hummingbird can fly backwards or even upside down because of their unique jointed wings that provide ultimate maneuverability.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-6 cm
Wingspan: 10-11 cm
Weight: 0.002-0.0026 kg
Lifespan: 6-8 years
Top Speed: 48 km/h
Clutch Size: 2
Incubation: 14-23 days

Diet & Feeding

They sip sweet flower nectar for energy and catch tiny insects for protein.

Primary Foods

flower nectar
small insects
tiny spiders

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Jigüe flower

Sideroxylon salicifolium

Helps this Cuban tree reproduce by spreading pollen.

eats

Spinybacked Orbweaver

Gasteracantha cancriformis

Hunts tiny spiders for essential protein and nutrients.

eaten by

Cuban Racer

Alsophis cantherigerus

Small birds, including hummingbirds, can be prey for this snake.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.