: A Tiny Jewel of the Sky
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a tiny bird that can be found in North America. Known for their stunning colors and impressive flight capabilities, these animals have been captivating people for generations.
Basic Description:
Rufous Hummingbirds are small birds that weigh only about 0.1 ounces and measure approximately 3-4 inches long. The males feature vibrant rusty-orange feathers with dark wings, while females possess green backs and tails with rust-colored throats.
Where To Find This Bird:
Rufous Hummingbirds breed primarily throughout western North America during the summer months before migrating to Mexico or even as far south as Costa Rica each winter. They are known to frequent gardens, parks, and other areas with flowering plants where they can feed on nectar.
Habitat:
These birds thrive in a variety of environments including forests, meadows, deserts, and mountain ranges up to 14,000 feet high. During breeding season they prefer areas with abundant flowers but will also visit feeders filled with sugar water.
Food:
As nectarivores (animals that feed on nectar), Rufous hummingbirds drink flower nectar using their long bills to reach deep into the blooms’ centers. Additionally like most birds hummingbirds require protein which they get from eating insects such as flies spiders bees butterflies among others making them omnivores too!
Cool Facts:
– Despite their small size Rufous Hummingbirds are incredibly fast flyers capable of speeds up to 60 miles per hour – this makes them one of the fastest creatures in nature!
– During migration periods it’s not uncommon for these little jewels of the sky travel over two thousand miles at a time.
– These amazing animals have been documented flying through weather extremes such as snowstorms above treeline! Pretty incredible right?
In conclusion: Overall there’s no denying that Rufous Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that capture the imagination and attention of people all over the world. Whether you’re a birdwatcher or just someone who loves nature in general, these tiny jewels of the sky are a true delight to encounter!
