DYK: 10 facts based around Hummingbirds

From: Kim C.

Sent: September 24, 2019

To: undisclosed recipients

Subject: Fw: DYK: 10 facts based around Hummingbirds

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1. Did you know that hummingbirds build nests near and below hawk nests because their predators are scared of the hawks and tend to avoid hawk nests? Survival rates are higher for eggs laid in a cone-shaped area near/below hawk nests.
Learn more.

2. Did you know that Hummingbirds are only found in the Western Hemisphere, with almost half the species living around the equator? About five percent of hummingbird species live primarily north of Mexico, and only about two dozen species visit the U.S. and Canada. Learn more.

3. Did you know that hummingbird tongues are so long they exit the bottom of the beak, wrap around the back of the bird's head under the skin, then re-enter the beak through a nostril? A concertina of minuscule bones push the tongue base up and around the head when needed. Learn more.

4. Did you know that the male hummingbird feathers' micro-structure reflects light differently as the viewing angle changes, thereby allowing the male to "change" its colors to attract a mate? Learn more.

5. Did you know that hummingbirds are continuously hours away from starving to death and consume the human equivalent of 140,000 calories per day? They enter an mini-hibernation mode (torpor) each night just to survive. Learn more.

6. Did you know that Hummingbirds are the only known species of bird that can fly backwards? The hummingbird has a unique muscle and wing structure that gives them a level of flight control that other birds envy. You can think of a hummingbird as a miniature helicopter. Learn more.

7. Did you know that praying mantises catch and eat hummingbirds. It’s rare, and it’s gruesome? A praying mantis lurks on a hummingbird feeder, watching carefully as a hummingbird hovers near the sugary water. With one quick motion, the mantis grabs the hummingbird for dinner. Learn more.

8. Did you know that hummingbird eggs are the size of jellybeans? If you have your own garden, it's likely that you maintain it to admire the beautiful flora and fauna. Hummingbirds will be drawn to any garden with vibrant plants, bird feeders, and birdbaths. Gardens are a dream home for hummingbirds, so don't be surprised if one settles in and starts a family! Learn more.

9. Did you know that the Anna Hummingbird, when adjusted for body size, is the world's fastest bird? It travels an average of 385 times its size per second, compared to the Peregrine Falcon's 200. It can also pull up to 10g's during maneuvers. Learn more.

10. Did you know that Aztec kings wore cloaks made entirely of hummingbird skins? It would take about 8,000 hummingbirds to create an adult size cloak. Learn more.



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