By Stephanie Hetu

Before we throw facts about the hummingbird at you, we hope you’ve been visited by these tiny birds and been as delighted as most of us are. If your back yard contains the right kind of flowers, chances are you’ve been visited by these critters and have a few questions for which we have answers!

Cool Facts About the Hummingbird:

Did you know that Ruby-throated hummingbird females are up to 20% bigger than the males? This is one of the facts about the hummingbird that most people don’t know. But then they move so swiftly, whether it weighs one-tenth of an ounce or three-tenths of an ounce is hardly significant, is it? Interestingly enough, both sexes nearly double their weight in preparation for the fall migration to warmer climes.

Their wings beat 60-80 times per second and they fly at up to 25 miles per hour. With this in mind, you now realize why they need super concentrated sugar water solutions if you are going to provide a worthwhile food in your feeders. Use a ratio of 4 parts sugar to 1 part water.

Speaking of feeders, we do hope you are taking advantage of an easy feed. They will find even the most remotely placed feeder. If you want them to come right up to your most convenient window, put it there. These inquisitive birds will find it within a day or two at the most IF they are in town.

Some geographic locations have a very limited visitation period. In central Oklahoma, you will often not see these birds until late July and they’ll be gone by mid September. Still and all, you do have that window of opportunity to watch them up close and personal for awhile.

One of the ‘don’ts’ concerns using honey or brown sugar in the water instead of white sugar. Don’t do it. In the heat of the sun, anything but white sugar–with a drop of red food coloring if you wish–will encourage the growth of mold and bacteria and bring disease to this tiny critter. And please change this water every third day to eliminate souring. Fresh is best and sugar is cheap!

Visit http://www.backyard-critters.com for more cool tips about critters!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Hetu
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cool-Facts-About-the-Hummingbird&id=127728

I hope you enjoyed this article on cool facts about the hummingbird.

back to top of cool facts about the hummingbird page

Stained glass hummingbird: a beautiful addition to doorways, windows and cabinets.

Hummingbird stained glass, in it’s various decorative forms is a vibrant medium which can enrich any space. With their colorful plumage ranging from emerald to vermillion, hummingbirds are as showy as flower blossoms and these stained glass hummingbird works of art will be a colorful, treasured addition to any home decor.

Hummingbird stained glass Product Description

These beautiful pieces of hummingbird stained glass are hand painted in America’s heartland – in brilliantly colored crystalline, translucent and frosted lacquers that capture all the beauty and hand made appeal of traditional stained glass. Even the zinc frames are hand soldered. No two pieces are ever alike, making each stained glass hummingbird art glass piece truly unique – the characteristic of all fine hand crafted gift items.

Click on the link hummingbird stained glass to see a full selection.

I hope you find some hummingbird stained glass to add a touch of beauty to your home.

back to top of stained glass hummingbird page

Add a Hummingbird switch plate: bring your love of hummingbirds to your indoor decor

Adding a hummingbird switch plate to your light switches will bring your enjoyment of hummingbirds indoors where it can be enjoyed every time you turn on a light. Click on hummingbird switch plate to see their beauty, now.

Hummingbird Switch Plate Product Description
Handcrafted to the highest standards using the artistry of the decoupage technique, the artwork on each switch plate is triple sealed with a special sealant to ensure durability, easy cleaning and obtain an enamel like finish. Artwork will not fade.

Each switch plate is heavy duty plastic nylon that is virtually unbreakable and hardware is included. A cinch to install. Each hummingbird  switch plate is handcrafted with great individual care using licensed materials.

We guarantee your complete satisfaction or money back. We are sure you will be delighted with these unique  items. Each hummingbird switch plate will arrive via USPS and a tracking # will be sent to you.

Here’s how to install your hummingbird switch plate

back to top of hummingbird switch plate page

When many people think of feeding birds, the first thought goes to one of the smallest, quickest, and amazing bird on the planet-the hummingbird. With wings beating at approximately 55 beats per second, a “still” bird seems to hover in midair. Aerodynamically, the hummingbird is a mystery to the average observer, although a pilot might be able to explain the awesome sight. Flitting from flower to flower, the little miracle is very difficult to observe, unless a haven has been established, to entice the feathery phenomenon to stay for a fantastic feast of flavorful sweets. Avid hummingbird watchers start by making a veritable paradise and providing appetizing nectar.

A paradise for hummingbirds is a beautiful yard, complete with trees, bushes, and lots of beautiful flowers-especially red. Generally, people who love to watch birds also love a gorgeous yard. Proper landscaping is essential, to attract the fluttery little fliers. Hummingbirds thrive in plenty of vegetation. Flowering trees, bushes, and gardens are very tempting. Flowerbeds with several varieties of red flowers are especially attracting. For whatever reason, red seems to be a favored color.

In addition to a natural environment, with a rich supply of nectar, hummingbird feeders throughout the yard enhance the bird haven. Today, feeders are usually copper or glass. Instead of the simple feeder, hung from the nearest tree, feeds can be decorative additions to the landscape. Shaped like colorful red fruits, perched on shapely pedestals, made with crystallized glass glinting in the sunshine, or fancy copper trimming, feeders serve a duel purpose as yard ornamentation. Instead of seeming like an afterthought to bribe the birds, the feeders become an important part of the overall landscaping. In fact, some people choose to place the feeders among the flowerbeds. Then, accustomed to visiting the beds to suck the nectar from the flowers, the birds will return and use the feeder, long after the flowers are gone.

Although a simple glass feeder filled with red nectar will attract a few birds, the best feeder will decorate the garden and bring the hummingbirds flocking to the source of food. Made of copper and crystal, many feeders have copper entwined around the glass, with red flower designs to further attract the picky little pets. For example, Holland Hill Tweeter Totter has beautiful copper hummingbird feeder designs. The twisted copper strands around the feeder also serve as perches. As the birds land on the copper, the feeders tilt to dispense the nectar. Other variations include window feeding stations, for a closer view of the tiny tweeters. Red glass balls hang next to the feeding tubes, to further entice the birds.

The Schrodt Facet feeder is also made to further entice the birds to come to dinner. A prism made of cut red glass; the design sparkles in the sun and becomes an irresistible feeder for the hummingbird. With a base of copper, the reflected light bounces off the red glass bottle. The hummingbird cannot help being curious. Soon, the birds will be feeding and coming back frequently for more of the sweet liquid placed among the flowers.

In addition to placing the feeders amongst the flowers, hummingbirds are definitely attracted to the color red. Therefore, if the feeder is not cover with red ornate flowers, an individual can also provide a more inviting feeder simply by tying red ribbon around the feeders. With plenty of feeders, strategically placed throughout the yard, hummingbird will have a feathery paradise.

However, if the feeders are haphazardly placed, the hummingbird haven can also become a war zone. Hummingbirds are extremely territorial. If the feeders are located too closely together, the little angels will become devilishly demented. Sometimes fighting to the death, hummingbirds would rather fight than share a tasty treat. So, to keep peace and harmony in the air, place the feeders farther apart, in an area of privacy from the other feeders, so the birds will not bother one another. At peace, the birds will continue returning for a trouble free feast.

In conclusion, if an individual is interested in providing a hummingbird haven, start with the landscape, and create a beautiful yard. Plant plenty of trees, bushes, and flowers-especially red. Once the yard looks wonderful to humans and birds alike, include hummingbird feeders strategically throughout the yard. Given a little privacy and space, the birds will be able to enjoy a veritable paradise, and individuals will witness the magnificent little feathered creatures seemingly suspended in the air, with virtually invisible wings.

By: Q. Williams

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Quentin Williams spends a great deal of his time creating products and articles for niche markets. For related articles click here.

The Hummingbird Heart, beats extremely fast

A Hummingbird Heart Rate Is Extremely Rapid!

Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating creatures when it comes to physiology and energy demands. Their heart rate, which is linked directly to their high metabolism, is one of the most remarkable aspects of their biology. Let’s dive deeper into how their heart rate varies in different states of activity and rest:

1. Resting Heart Rate

At rest, a hummingbird’s heart rate is already much higher than that of most animals. It typically beats between 250 to 500 times per minute. This elevated baseline is required to support their incredibly fast metabolism. The bird is constantly burning energy to maintain its small body size and high activity level, even when not in flight. This means their hearts must pump oxygenated blood rapidly to deliver nutrients and remove waste products from their tissues.

2. Heart Rate During Flight

Hummingbirds are known for their remarkable flight abilities, including hovering, rapid changes in direction, and even flying backward. These feats of agility require tremendous energy, which is reflected in a massive increase in heart rate.

When hovering or engaged in any flight activity, a hummingbird’s heart rate can rise dramatically, often reaching up to 1,200 beats per minute. This is an astonishing number considering that the average human heart rate at rest is about 70 beats per minute. The reason for this surge is the constant demand for energy and oxygen to power their flight muscles. Their high metabolic rate supports the large amount of energy required for hovering, which is highly demanding due to the rapid wing beats (about 50-80 times per second in some species).

The energy for their flight comes primarily from the sugar in the nectar they consume. Their heart rate ensures that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently transported to their muscles. The intense heart rate also helps to circulate the fuel needed for continuous energy.

3. Heart Rate During Torpor (Nighttime)

While hummingbirds’ heart rates soar during the day, they can slow down significantly at night. At night, or when food is scarce, many species of hummingbirds enter a state called torpor. Torpor is a form of deep sleep, but it is much more profound than typical sleep. It is a survival mechanism that allows them to conserve energy by drastically lowering their metabolic rate.

During torpor, a hummingbird’s heart rate can drop to 50 to 100 beats per minute. This dramatic reduction helps the bird conserve energy while it rests, since it no longer needs to expend calories for flight or foraging. In this state, the bird’s body temperature also drops to near ambient levels, significantly reducing the need for metabolic fuel.

When the hummingbird wakes up, it takes some time for its heart rate and body temperature to return to normal levels so it can resume activity. The bird has to “warm up” its body before it can begin flying and feeding again.

4. Comparison to Other Animals

To understand just how extreme a hummingbird’s heart rate is, consider how it compares to other animals. For example:

• Humans: The average resting heart rate of a human is between 60 to 100 beats per minute.
• Mammals: For most mammals, the resting heart rate is also much lower than that of hummingbirds, even for smaller mammals. For instance, a mouse may have a heart rate of 500 to 600 beats per minute, but that’s still well below the hummingbird’s active heart rate.
• Other birds: While birds generally have higher heart rates than mammals, hummingbirds are exceptional. Some large birds like ostriches have heart rates as low as 60 beats per minute. Small songbirds can have heart rates in the 300 to 700 beats per minute range while in flight, but none come close to the hummingbird’s peak heart rate of 1,200 beats per minute.

5. Why Such a High Heart Rate?

The key to understanding the hummingbird’s heart rate is its extraordinary metabolism. They have the highest metabolic rate of any bird species, which is necessary to support their energy-intensive hovering flight. Hummingbirds can burn up to 10 times the amount of energy per unit of body weight than that of a similarly-sized mammal. The heart rate helps to ensure that their oxygen, glucose, and other vital nutrients are rapidly distributed throughout their tiny bodies.

Additionally, their high heart rate supports their specialized muscle fibers that are capable of sustaining the rapid movements required for hovering. This unique adaptation allows them to beat their wings up to 80 times per second in some species. Their heart rate increases to match the demands of such rapid muscle activity, ensuring that energy is continuously provided.

6. Heart Rate and Nectar Consumption

A hummingbird’s heart rate is intricately tied to its feeding habits. Their primary source of energy comes from nectar, a sugar-rich substance that is quickly metabolized for fuel. They can visit hundreds of flowers a day, sipping nectar and refueling. As they consume this sugar, their heart rate spikes to support the increased energy demand. Interestingly, the sugar content in the nectar directly affects how much energy they gain, and consequently, their heart rate.

Conclusion

The heart rate of a hummingbird is a fascinating reflection of its unique physiology. At rest, their heart rate is already much higher than most animals, but when they engage in flight, especially hovering, their heart rate increases to extraordinary levels. In contrast, during torpor, their heart rate can drop to conserve energy. These extreme variations highlight the hummingbird’s finely tuned biology, adapted for high-energy activities and survival in challenging environments.

More about the hummingbird heart

https://www.audubon.org/news/hummingbird-hearts-beat-10-times-faster-yours