Amazing Hummingbird Facts!

Amazing Facts About Hummingbirds!

Not long ago we were asking, "Where are our Hummingbirds?" Now they are all over the place. Some customers have reported having six or more at their feeders!

We have about two more months to enjoy our tiny friends before they go on vacation to Mexico. Keep feeding them because they have to "bulk up" from the weight of a dime to the weight of a nickel. They need enough stamina to last the 20 hour trip over the Gulf of Mexico. Feed them well now so they will remember to return to your feeders in the spring!

While you are watching these amazing acrobats at your window, you will enjoy reading these fun Hummingbird facts.

* There are over 325 species of hummingbirds. Most are found in South America.
* Hummingbirds are only found naturally in the Americas.
* More than 15 species of hummingbirds breed in the United States.
* Hummingbirds chirp, they do not sing.
* A hummingbird's heart beats over 1200 times per minute.
* At rest, a hummingbird will take over 250 breaths per minute.
* Hummingbirds can barely walk.
* A penny weighs 2.5 grams, a hummingbird weighs 2-20 grams.
* Female hummingbirds are typically larger than males.
* Hummingbirds do not mate for life.
* Female hummingbirds do all of the nest building and raising of the young.
* A Hummingbird's average life span is 5 years.
* Wing beats per second: 70+; up to 200 times per second.
* Hummingbirds are the only bird that can fly both forward and backward.
* Average flight speed: 25-30 mph.
* It takes 20 hours for a Ruby-throated Hummingbird to fly across the Gulf of Mexico.
* The Rufous Hummingbird migrates from Canada to Mexico.
* A hummingbird will visit 1,000 flowers per day.
* Hummingbirds need to eat 7 or more times per hour.
* When sleeping, hummingbirds go into torpor - a state of hibernation. Hummingbirds in torpor have a heart rate of 50 or fewer beats per minute.
* A hummingbird's instinct to migrate is stronger than a food source - your hummingbird feeder will not stop a hummingbird from migrating.
* Hummingbird Nectar - mix 1 part plain white sugar to 4 parts of boiling water. Let the nectar cool before using. Extra nectar can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 7 days.
* Keep the hummingbirds safe! Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned and refilled with fresh nectar every 3-4 days.

Stop by For The Birds for all of your hummingbird needs! Feeders, books, home decor, and nectar! We are your one stop shop for all your backyard birding needs!

We are located at Rt 130, 1229 Stamp Creek Road in Salem (Just past the Subway in the Keowee Key community.)