Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)

 

The Trochilidae encompasses 2 subfamilies, 115 genera, and 338 species. Six genera and 34 species are placed in the subfamily Phaethornithinae (hermits), and the rest included in the Trochilinae (the typical hummingbirds). The family is restricted to the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, including the West Indies. The greatest diversity is in the northern Andes (e.g., 160 species in Colombia and 130 spp. in Ecuador). Hummingbirds inhabit tropical, subtropical, temperate and boreal forests, thornscrub, savanna, and high elevation grasslands; from sea level to 5,200 m. Most species from North America and some from the southern South America species are migratory. These are among the smallest of birds. Most species measure 7.5-13 cm, but Mellisuga helenae is only 5 cm in length, weighing less than 2 g. Bills vary in shape and length between species. The plumage is colourful and iridescent. Hummingbirds drink nectar, often while hovering, and pollinate a wide variety of flowers. They also feed on small insects, including dipterans, aphids, and spiders. May enter torpor, when food is not readily available. Most species do not form pairs. The male defends a territory, where he mates with females, but does not take part in incubation or rearing the young. The nest is a tiny cup of plant fibers bound with spider silk, and decorated with lichens and moss; attached to a branch or a rock ledge. The hermits hung their nests from the underside of a large leaf, a ledge, or a cave roof. The clutch is 1-2 white eggs (the smallest laid by any bird); incubation 14-23 days. The young fledge after 3-4 weeks.

 

		Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis)
		Brazilian Ruby (Clytolaema rubricauda)
		Vervain Hummingbird (Mellisuga minima)
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