Hummingbirds are well known for their annual migrations, with many species traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. However, some hummingbird species and populations do not migrate at all and instead remain resident year-round in the same area. Summary Here are quick answers to key questions about non-migratory hummingbirds: Some hummingbird species like Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds have populations that are resident year-round in parts of their range. Factors like abundant food, suitable habitat, and moderate climates allow them to survive the winter in their breeding areas. They may minimize energy expenditure by going into nightly torpor…
Author: Kia Primack
Quick Answer No, it is not necessary to boil water before offering it to hummingbirds. Hummingbirds can safely drink unboiled plain water from clean hummingbird feeders. Boiling is only needed if you are making a sugar water nectar solution, in order to properly dissolve the sugar and prevent mold growth. For plain water, simply wash the feeder thoroughly and fill it with fresh water daily. Do Hummingbirds Drink Plain Water? Yes, hummingbirds do drink plain water in addition to consuming nectar from flowers and feeders. Providing a clean source of fresh water can help attract hummingbirds to your yard and…
When trying to identify a bird that resembles a hairy woodpecker, the downy woodpecker is often the bird in question. The downy woodpecker looks nearly identical to the hairy woodpecker, and these two species are often confused with each other by bird watchers. Quick Answer The bird that most closely resembles a hairy woodpecker is the downy woodpecker. The downy woodpecker and hairy woodpecker look almost identical, with the main difference being size. The downy woodpecker is smaller with a shorter bill, weighing only about 1/3 as much as a hairy woodpecker. Identifying Features of a Hairy Woodpecker To understand…
Violetears are a group of hummingbirds found in Central and South America. They get their name from the vibrant violet color on the ears and throat of adult males. There are 23 recognized species of violetears, which vary in size and exact coloration. When it comes to wingspan, different violetear species have slightly different measurements. Quick Answer The wingspan of violetears ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 inches (9 to 11 centimeters) across species. The average wingspan is around 4 inches (10 cm). Wingspan of Popular Violetear Species Here are the wingspans of some of the most widespread and recognized violetear…
Hummingbirds are territorial creatures, and it’s not uncommon for one dominant hummingbird to chase others away from feeders or flowering plants. This aggressive behavior serves to protect food sources, but it can prevent other hummers from getting the nutrition they need. If you notice one hummingbird monopolizing your feeders, there are steps you can take to allow everyone to peacefully co-exist. Why do hummingbirds chase each other? Hummingbirds are fiercely territorial. They stake out claims to food sources and perches in order to have exclusive access to the nectar and insects they need to survive. A dominant male hummingbird will…
Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that have captivated people for centuries with their beauty and flying skills. One of the most intriguing things about hummingbirds is their ability to hover and fly backwards, which allows them to get nectar from flowers that other birds can’t access. This raises the question – with their aerial maneuverability, do hummingbirds also catch insects while flying? The hovering flight of hummingbirds Hummingbirds are the only birds that can sustain hovering flight. Their wings beat incredibly fast – up to 80 times per second! This allows them to generate enough lift to hover in front…
Hawk moths are large, impressive insects that have captivated humankind for millennia. With their sizable wingspans, aerobatic flight capabilities, and voracious appetites, these moths have inspired awe, curiosity, and even trepidation across cultures. As a result, hawk moths have accrued rich symbolic meanings throughout history and folklore. Hawk Moths as Symbols of Transformation Perhaps the most prominent symbolic association of hawk moths is with transformation. The life cycle of hawk moths entails a profound metamorphosis – hatching from an egg, going through several larval instars, pupating, and finally emerging as a winged adult. This drastic change inspires hawk moths as…
A hummingbird moth with two white stripes is a species of moth that resembles a hummingbird. These moths belong to the Sphingidae family, which contains hawk moths, sphinx moths, and hornworms. The species that is most well known for having two distinctive white stripes is the hummingbird clearwing moth (Hemaris thysbe). Description The hummingbird clearwing moth has a wingspan of 1.5-2.5 inches. Its body is covered in fuzzy hairs and its wings are mostly transparent with reddish-brown edges. There are two bold white stripes that run horizontally across both forewings. These stripes distinguish it from other similar looking species that…
Publix is a popular grocery store chain based in the southeastern United States. With over 1,200 store locations across seven states, Publix is known for its wide selection of fresh produce, quality meats and seafood, and expansive bakery and deli offerings. Many customers enjoy picking up pre-made cakes and desserts from the Publix bakery. One dessert that often comes up is hummingbird cake, leading customers to ask: does Publix make hummingbird cake? What is Hummingbird Cake? Hummingbird cake is a sweet and dense cake with banana, pineapple, and pecan flavors. It gets its name from the sugar content that supposedly…
Orioles are beautiful, brightly colored birds that can add excitement to backyards across North America. While orioles are primarily nectar and insect eaters, they can also be attracted to backyard feeding stations stocked with sugary foods like jelly and orange slices. Jelly is an excellent food to offer orioles, as the natural sugars provide quick energy. Many bird enthusiasts have found that repurposing used glass jars to hold jelly for orioles is an affordable and crafty way to create an oriole-friendly feeding station. But what size and shape of jelly jar is best for an oriole feeder? Keep reading to…