A hummingbird hovers in the Newcastle area of the Blue Mountains. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Hummingbirds are small birds in the trochilidae family. They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings, 15 to 80 times per second (depending on the size of the bird).
Unlike other bird species capable of limited hovering, the hummingbird is alone in its ability to fly deliberately backwards or vertically, and to maintain position for drinking from flower blossoms. They are named for the characteristic hum made by their wings.
Hummingbirds are attracted to many flowering plants, especially those with red flowers. They feed on the nectar of these plants and are important pollinators, especially of deep-throated flowers. Most species of hummingbird also take insects, especially when feeding young.
The bee hummingbird (mellisuga helenae) is the smallest bird in the world, weighing 1.8 grams. A more typical medium-sized hummingbird, such as the Rufuous-tailed, weighs approximately 3 g and has a length of 10-12 cm (3.5-4 inches).
Appearance
Hummingbirds have the most glittering plumage and some of the most elegant adornments in the bird world. Male hummingbirds are usually brightly coloured. The females of most species are duller.
Attracting Hummingbirds
Many people enjoy attracting hummingbirds by offering feeders, taking pleasure in observing the colourful birds.
Hummingbirds will use man-made feeders, particularly red ones. Suitable artificial nectar consists of one part sugar to four parts water.
It is easiest to dissolve the sugar in boiling water, and then cool it completely before putting it out for the birds. Measuring the water and adding the sugar after removing the water from the heat source will ensure an accurate ratio. Sweet foods, such as honey, other than white sugar, ferment too quickly and may cause them harm.
