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Common Myths and Other Interesting Facts about Hummingbirds
Zoe Ann Hinds
Some myths seem to take on a life of there own, and it is difficult, if not entirely impossible, to dispel these myths. The purpose of this article is to provide you with the truth about some of the more common myths that still exist today, and to also entertain you with some little known facts about hummingbirds that you might find interesting and educational. So, sit back and get prepared for a very informative and entertaining reading experience!
One very common myth is that keeping hummingbird feeders up too long will stop hummingbirds from migrating. A hummingbird has an instinctive urge to migrate and this is not based on whether feeders are up or not. It is quite common for hummingbirds to begin their migration journey when there are still plenty of flowers and feeders available. Male hummingbirds often begin their migration journey two weeks before the female does so. It will depend on the species as to when they choose to begin their migration. Regardless of the species of hummingbird, whenever it is time for them to begin their migration, the hummingbirds are most likely responding to light level changes rather than to food level changes.
Another common hummingbird myth is that they only feed on red tubular flowers. If you have ever spent any time watching hummingbirds, then you know that this is just not true. Hummingbirds visit all colors, sizes, and shapes of flowers. These birds will visit flowers that are primarily visited by bees, or they will visit flowers are specifically adapted to hummingbirds--the red tubular ones. Generally speaking, hummingbirds will get nectar wherever they possibly can.
I am amazed that so many people still believe this next myth. The myth is that hummingbirds only eat nectar. Yes, nectar is the primary food source of hummingbirds, but it is definitely not their only food source. Hummingbirds also eat a variety of insects, as well as also eating tree sap from the holes drilled into trees by sapsuckers.
The remainder of this article does not deal with hummingbird myths, but it is intended to provide the reader with some interesting and amazing facts about hummingbirds that you might not yet know. I hope you will find the information as fascinating as I myself did.
Hummingbirds have the ability to hover better than any other species of bird due to the unusual structure of their wings. They have the ability to do so because their wings are permanently fixed and rigid, except at the shoulder joint, which allows the wing to move freely in all directions.
When hovering, a hummingbird's wing moves forward, and then the leading edge rotates nearly 180 degrees and moves back again. This wing movement causes the tips of the wings to trace a horizontal figure eight in the air.
Hummingbirds are often known as living jewels. This is because the feathers of the hummingbird are the most specialized of any bird feathers. On the throat of a hummingbird it is only the outer third of each feather that is iridescent, due to the fact that it is this part of the feather that contains platelets which are filled with air bubbles. The platelets partially reflect back light, thus causing the brilliant colors that are seen on hummingbirds.
One interesting fact that I discovered while doing research for this article is that mites will hitchhike on a hummingbird. Mites grow and reproduce within the blooms of many flowers by feeding on the nectar and pollen of these plants. Whenever a flower stops blooming and no longer contains nectar, the mite must move on and they do so by catching a ride while on the hummingbird.
As a hummingbird sucks nectar from a flower, the mites run onto the bird's bill and into the hummingbird's nostrils. The mite only remains on the hummingbird for a short time, until the hummingbird visits another flower of the same species as the one the mite just left.
Albino hummingbirds exist. Albino hummingbirds are NOT a separate species of hummingbird. Albinism is caused by a genetic change that prevents the formation of dark-colored pigment in feathers. This is a very rare occurrence. There are varying degrees of albinism. Typically, albino hummingbirds don't live long. This is because they often have poor eyesight and more brittle feathers then other hummingbirds and this causes them to have a reduced flying ability.
It is my hope that this article has helped you discover the truth about some common hummingbird myths. Also, I hope that this article has helped you learn some other very fascinating facts about hummingbirds.
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