Hummingbirds - Pictures - Ecology
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Picture source:
Hummingbird ID Site
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Human activity in all its manifestations creates an indelible impact on hummingbirds' natural environment. Building, deforestation, and urban development so forth disturb natural balance and force the birds to migrate. Many species fail to get accustomed to the altered environment and die of starvation.
Many wonderful species are currently in danger. For instance, Mexican Woodnymph (Thalurania ridgwayi) and White-tailed Hummingbird (Eupherusa poliocerca) are considered vulnerable. Mangrove Hummingbird (Amazilia boucardi), Hookbilled Hermit (Glaucis dohrnii), Royal Sunangel (Heliangelus regalis) and Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) are endangered or critically endangered. Rufous-cheeked Hummingbird (Goethalsia bella) and Ecuadorian Piedtail (Phlogophilus harterti) are threatened.
In 1996, the Hummingbird Society, a non-profit hummingbird rescue corporation was founded. The assignment of the association is to provide expert knowledge on how to handle and manage hummingbirds, as well as on what to do if you happen to find an injured or dying hummingbird by way of press publication and Internet information.
Hummingbirds - Pictures - Handling Hummingbirds
If you would like to have hummingbirds in your garden, there are some interesting and useful pieces of advice for you. In order to succeed, it is absolutely necessary to create an environment that will provide enough feeding resources.
Bright flowers attract hummingbirds. Some people think that only red flowers are efficient, but it is not so. Hummers like all nectar producing flowers. Begonias, petunias, gladioluses, Cardinal Flower and so forth, will definitely attract hummingbirds.
There also must be shrubs and trees in order to give male hummers a chance to perch and guard the area. Feeders should be placed near flowerbeds. It is also better if they are red colored or have a red element on them. You may also tie a red strip to the feeder.
Feeders must be cleaned and rinsed daily. Do not fill nectar dishes to the rim, because the water will grow stale before running out. Spoiled water is mortally dangerous, as is honey, which ferments very rapidly.
If possible, reduce the use of pesticides to the minimum. One reason is that, the birds may get poisoned and the other is that, due to lack of insects, they may suffer lack of proteins and, consequently, starvation.
Hummingbirds - Pictures - Finding an Orphaned Hummingbird
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Picture source:
Kevin J McGowan ©
Kevin and Jay McGowan
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If you come across a wounded or handicapped hummer, first place it in a separate room and lock the door. Switch off the light to give the bird a chance to rest. Make sure that the room is impenetrable for cats and other domestic predators. Careless handling can hurt the bird very badly.
For advice, you may call the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (707-864-1761, 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., PST); or The National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association (320-259-4086, 7.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. MST). You can also turn to your local wildlife services.
Hummingbirds are territorial and aggressive. Do not disturb your bird, because it will always think that you are an enemy and it will definitely use its protective instincts on you. Despite their small size, hummingbirds can make brisk attacks and use their bills, which may be very painful!
Hummingbirds - Pictures - Links
Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) - Photos plus facts about this bird's migration status, range, and identifying characteristics. Includes a range map.
Chloe's Hummingbird Page - General information, sounds, and photos of Hummingbirds in the western United States.
Festival of Hummingbirds - This is the place to be for those who love hummingbirds-and this includes everyone from beginners to research scientists.
Hummingbird Watching in Southeastern Arizona - The Hummingbirds of Arizona, Hummingbird banding, frequently asked questions, Hummingbird tours and workshops, and photographs.
Hummingbirds: Institute for Field Ornithology Workshop - This workshop will cover the natural history, behavior, ecology, and identification of North American hummingbirds, with special emphasis on the fifteen species that occur in summer in southeastern Arizona.
Journey North: UnPave the Way for Hummingbirds - Tips for creating Hummingbird habitat.
Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project - Projects that can teach you, students, and teachers more about Hummingbirds. Many photos and information about Hummingbird banding and landscaping.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Missouri - Information and photos.
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) - Photos, identification tips, range maps, and taxonomy chart.
The Hummingbird Web Site - Articles on Hummingbird gardening and biology. Visit the photo gallery, view classified section and check out the conservation alerts.
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Picture source:
Hummingbird ID Site
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US Geological Survey - Anna's Hummingbird - View a map showing the red birds' winter and summer distributions. It lists the species' identifying characteristics and diet, as well.
US Geological Survey - White-eared Hummingbird - Government site provides a photograph of the dark ave, plus a family tree and a list of features to aid bird-watchers with identification.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Allen's Hummingbird - Learn how to distinguish this bird from other species. View photos, examine range maps, and read about this bird's nesting and diet.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Broad-billed Hummingbird - Learn how to distinguish the male and female of this species. See photos and read about this bird's breeding habitat and diet.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Broad-tailed Hummingbird - Presents a range map and photo of this bird. Read about its diet, breeding, and habitat.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Costa's Hummingbird - Offers a photo and range maps for this species. Browse facts on its diet, migration status, and habitat.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Magnificent Hummingbird - Read about this species' habitat, migration status, identifying traits, and taxonomy. Also provides photographs.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Rufous Hummingbird - Provides a breeding bird survey map and CBC map. Includes photos and identification tips.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Ctr - Black-chinned Hummingbird - View a range map and photos of this bird. Read facts about its habitat, breeding, and diet.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Ctr - Blue-throated Hummingbird - Learn to identify this bird using a photo and ID tips. Read about its taxonomy, migration status, and habitat.
USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Ctr - Violet-crowned Hummingbird - Learn identification tips and the taxonomy of this bird. Read about its habitat and diet and view a photo.
Wintering Hummingbirds - Leave Your Feeders Out! - Article discusses wintering Hummingbirds found throughout North and South Carolina.
Hummingbirds - Pictures - Other Hummingbirds sites
Hummingbirds - Hummingbirds are called so for the sound that they produce during a flight. These are one of the most amazing birds on earth and are famous for their variety of colorations and speed of wings. It is believed that the species originated from insect-eating swift-like birds that inhabited the northern Andes Mountains of South America.
Nowadays, Hummingbirds are found in North, Central, and South America. The density is greater in areas that are closer to the equator. The Hummingbird inhabits almost all zones including tropical forests and deserts. Earlier, they were extensively hunted because of their feathers. Yet, people soon realized that there is a danger of extinction for this species. Nowadays, Hummingbirds are becoming well adapted to living near humans. However, about 9 species remain critically endangered.
Hummingbirds Pictures - Hummingbirds populate both American continents, and can be found in every place from Brazil and Argentina and through to Canada and Alaska. There are as many as 350 species of hummingbirds, which reside in the jungle, deserts, temperate woods and grassfields, and even in towns and cities. This tiny bird belongs to the family, Trochilidae, and it has been a matter of particular interest for scientists ever since the times of man's first encounters with it.
Native Americans extolled and worshiped the bird. Mayan aborigines believed that the hummingbird was the incarnation of the sun. Ancient Aztecs believed that Huitzilopochtli, the mightiest god, had sprung from a hummingbird feather ball that had descended from heaven.
Hummingbirds Photos - Hummingbirds are believed to have appeared in northern Andes Mountains of South America. There are facts indicating that the hummingbird sprung from the swift, although not all scientists share this point of view. They live only in the western hemisphere and they mostly tend to concentrate in equatorial regions. However, hummingbirds occur in every part of the continental North America, except maybe within the polar areas.
Native American tribes viewed them as messengers of gods. They even ascribed the advent of a god to hummingbirds. Thus, Huitzilopochtli, one of the Aztec war gods, was believed to have magically come out of a hummingbird feather ball. Hummingbirds were also attached to the war god due to their aggressive behavior.
