Hummingbirds, fondly referred to as “hummers” among birders, are a type of small bird known for their incredible flying skills, including the ability to hover in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings—up to 80 times a second in some species.
In this image, you can see its tongue extended, a rare sight captured in exquisite detail. Hummingbird tongues work through a capillary action mechanism; when the bird inserts its tongue into a flower, the tongue’s tubular shape and the rapid movement facilitate the quick uptake of nectar. This action is so fast that it can be difficult to see in detail without high-speed photography.from a flower.
This tranquil pose allows us to appreciate the fine details of its plumage and the vivid violet ear patches that mark the species. It has strong territorial instincts and spends a lot of time guarding nectar sources from rival hummingbirds. The species has a long, decurved bill perfectly adapted for accessing nectar from deep, tubular flowers like the vibrant one featured in this photo, which, incidentally, won third place by community vote in the competition.in time. These birds are known for their brave migration practices. They embark on a non-stop journey of up to 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico to reach the U.S. coast. This remarkable solo flight typically lasts between 18 and 22 hours.