USA Hummingbirds: The Fascinating Birds You Should Know About .
– The U.S. is home to over 300 species of hummingbirds, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird being the most common in the eastern states.
– Hummingbirds can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings, which allows them to feed on nectar from flowers.
– Many species migrate between the U.S. and Central America. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates alone across the Gulf of Mexico.
– Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar but also consume insects for protein. They have a long, specialized tongue to reach deep into flowers.
– These birds are commonly found in gardens, forests, and meadows with plenty of flowering plants. They thrive in environments that provide food sources.
– Known for their territorial nature, hummingbirds fiercely protect their food sources, often engaging in aerial battles with each other.
– Female hummingbirds build tiny, cup-shaped nests, often on tree branches, where they lay one to three eggs at a time.
– While hummingbirds are not currently endangered, habitat loss and climate change pose threats, leading to conservation efforts to protect their environments.