ODE TO HUMMINGBIRDS

The hummingbird family (trochilidae) is one of the largest bird families in the world with about 330 species, ranging over south, central and north America. Although they are found from Alaska to Tiera del Fuego, hummingbirds are far more numerous in the tropics. In Costa Rica we have 57 species of hummingbirds distributed over the whole country. Following are a set of interesting facts that you maybe didn’t know about these gorgeous little acrobats of the sky.

● The hummingbirds’ flight involves rapid wingbeats and a unique rotation of the entire wing at the shoulder joint; changing the angle of their wingbeat permits flight in any direction including backward or hovering in place.

●Depending the species, hummingbirds beat their wings 22-79 times per second.

● Because of its size, in relation to other birds the hummingbird has the highest metabolic rate and energy needs.

● One of their most important mechanisms of saving energy is their ability to enter into a state of torpor on cold nights, regulating their body temperature 30-50⁰F (17-28⁰C) below active level.

● About eighty percent of a hummingbird’s day is spent perched in trees and bushes.

● Their bills range in size from 4 inches to ½ inch in length.

● Half a hummingbird’s weight is in chest muscles, which are used to power their flight.

●Often a hummingbird’s tongue measures two times the length of their bill.

●The smallest hummingbird, the bumblebee, is two inches long with half the length in its beak and tail. The largest hummingbird is the giant hummingbird and can reach eight inches in length.

Hummingbirds are undoubtedly the best known New World avian family - and one of those things in nature that are so fascinating to see, you just have to stand still for a while. During a stay at Lapa Rios, you are sure to see them every single day if you are watching.

Photos by Frances Figart