One of the great joys of summer in Nova Scotia is the sight of a hummingbird zipping about, sipping on honeysuckle and stopping at our bright red feeders for a rest and a drink.
In Nova Scotia, the most commonly observed species of hummingbird is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Known for its glittery green back, and the striking red throat patch found on the males, they are typically seen in our region during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall.
Here are some fun facts about these little nectar-lovers:
- They measure about 3-3.5 inches in length and weigh only 2-6 grams.
- They consume up to half their body weight in sugar daily, mostly from nectar, and also eat insects and spiders for protein.
- Their wings beat around 50-80 times per second, which allows them to hover in place and fly in all directions, including backward.
- They undertake an impressive migration journey, flying up to 3,000 miles from their breeding grounds in North America to their wintering grounds in Central America. Some even cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single, non-stop flight.
- They can live up to 9 years in the wild.
- Females build tiny, cup-shaped nests using fine plant fibers, spider silk, and lichen. They lay 1-3 eggs, which are about the size of a pea.
- They can reach speeds of up to 48 km/h during regular flight and even faster during courtship displays.
- Their heart rate can exceed 1,200 beats per minute during flight and drops significantly when they rest.
Help hummers flourish by putting up a feeder, and making sure you change the sugar water frequently.
