HUMMINGBIRD
			Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Chordata Aves Apodiformes Trochilidae

The hummingbird has captured the fascination of bird-watchers for many years. The 300 different species live in the New World forests. The largest hummingbird is only 8.7 inches long (22 cm), while the smallest, the bee hummingbird, is just over 2 inches long (5 cm). It is the world's smallest bird.

Hummingbirds are most common in the forests of South America, but they range from southern Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. Some undertake long migratory flights, for which they prepare by storing body fat to fuel the journey. The ruby-throated hummingbird migrates between North and South America. These beautiful little birds have brilliant often iridescent plumage which has led to their being given names like "ruby" and "topaz."

They are called hummingbirds because their wings beat so fast they produce a low humming sound. Small species have wingbeats of 50 to 80 per second, and in courtship displays, even higher rates have been recorded. The fast wingbeats enable hummingbirds to dart to and fro through the air, where they reach speeds of approximately 70 mph (110 km/h) in straight flight. Flying with such rapid wing-beats consumes a large amount of energy.

Hummingbirds obtain this energy by taking nectar from flowers and eating soft-bodied insects and spiders. The bird uses its long tubular beak and tongue to probe flowers for insects and nectar while hovering in mid-air. Truly interesting little birds.