Data for:
Female © Wayne Fidler
Immature male © Christoph Moning
Male © Christoph Moning
Female © Christoph Moning
+ 3
Female © Paul Tavares
Male © Josh Engel

Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae

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Identification

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This tiny nectar sipper is the world’s smallest bird. It feeds on woodland flowers, especially those that are more horizontally positioned. Males often found perched on high exposed branches. The male is stunning with an iridescent red head and turquoise upperparts. The female is also turquoise above, but is dingy below. This species is readily identifiable by its tiny size and relatively short bill. In flight, this species’ wings make a sound resembling that of a bumblebee, hence its name. The most common vocalization is an extended, high-pitched, jumbled twitter.

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New Mexico, United States

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New Mexico, United States

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New Mexico, United States