Let’s face it: the hummingbird is pretty fascinating. Holding the record as the world’s smallest type of bird, it also gets its name from the speed from which it beats its wings, which are fast enough to hum. In fact, their wings beat so fast that it is one of the few birds that can function essentially like a helicopter, hovering in place.
They manage to keep up this lifestyle with a strict diet of nectar, which is basically nature’s sugar water, to fuel their active bodies. Of course, every animal must eventually rest, hence this absolutely amazing video of a captive hummingbird in peru catching forty winks.
Wondering what species you’re looking at? It’s a female Amethyst-throated Sunangel (Heliangelus amethysticollis). It was captured (humanely) for a study on breathing patterns and released unharmed into the wilds of Peru after testing.
Okay, since you asked nicely, here are a few more amazing facts about these little birds:
- The bright radiant color on hummingbirds comes from iridescent coloring like on a soap bubble or prism.
- A hummingbird’s brain is 4.2% of its body weight, the largest proportion in the bird kingdom.
- Hummingbirds can see ultraviolet light.
- A hummingbird’s heart beats up to 1,260 times per minute.
- A hummingbird will take about 250 breaths per minute while at rest.
Sweet dreams, little bird, hopefully you dream of unlimited fields of flowers!
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