If you have some brightly colored flowers or a hummingbird feeder in your yard, chances are you have been visited by the world’s smallest bird! There is still time for you and your children to do a little observing and learning about these amazing little birds.
They can beat their wings up to 200 times per second! All that flying requires a lot of energy. In fact, they must eat constantly to fuel their active bodies. They can eat almost two times their body weight in one day. They use their long tongues to suck the nectar out of flowers. The nectar feeds their energy, but they also eat bugs to get other nutrients that they need.
The Easy Science for Kids website has some fascinating facts about hummingbirds; some you probably know and maybe some you didn’t know. For instance, you probably know that they can fly sideways, backwards, up and down and even hover in mid-air, but did you know that their feet don’t work very well? In fact, they can barely walk!
Some hummers migrate south, flying more than 6oo miles across the Gulf of Mexico without stopping.
Hummingbirds don’t sing, but they do make chirping sounds.
Hummingbirds perch on flowers or branches to rest.
Hummingbirds have jewel-like feathers; they might be green, purple or blue.
These facts are interesting, but you must see the video on the site called, “Five Amazing Facts About Hummingbirds”. I promise you will be blown away! To get to the site, click here.
Another great site that has interesting facts about hummingbirds and activities for kids like making a hummingbird feeder, tracking hummingbirds, planting flowers to attract hummingbirds or working on a hummingbird puzzle. I definitely recommend that you check it out by clicking here.
– Becky Lynn is a writer for EllisDownHome.com. She and her husband Bob enjoy spending time with their 8 grandchildren and traveling. Becky loves cranking up the music and heading to the kitchen to try out new recipes or cook for an upcoming party. She is passionate about continuing to be a life-long learner!
