tale-feathers.com -- It's for the Birds

H u m m i n g b i r d s

The most amazing of all birds is that of the littlest -- the hummingbird. An aeronautic miracle, these little guys can fly forward, backward, shift sideways and stop in mid-air. For short periods of time, they can even fly upside down. There are about 325 species of hummingbirds, eighteen are found in North America.

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Spring 2006!!!

Before Spring had the chance to arrive, this little lady had already carefully constructed her nest with expert camouflage techniques. She chose a spot right next to a busy hiking and biking trail along the Santa Ana River (Southern California) in plain view, though it was barely visible. Every day dozens of people passed just inches from her nest, yet none noticed her watchful eye. In less than a week from the day she was spotted, she welcomed two precious nestlings.

Did you know hummingbirds have no sense of smell and locate their food purely by sight.They also have no ability to walk and use their feet only for perching.

~ Among the oldest on record -- a Blue-throated Hummingbird who lived to be over 12 years of age. ~

Updated: 28 March 2006

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