DesignScape - 2'x4' Humming Along

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures that have many unique qualities. They are the smallest of all bird species and have a very high metabolism, which means they must eat all day long just to survive. They consume about half their body weight in bugs and nectar every day, feeding every 10-15 minutes and visiting 1,000-2,000 flowers throughout the day. In addition to nectar from flowers and feeders, these birds eat small insects, beetles, ants, aphids, gnats, mosquitoes, and wasps.  Hummingbirds are also known for their unique behaviors. They are most likely to come out and visit a feeder around dawn and dusk, or early in the morning and late in the afternoon before sunset. They travel long distances during migration, and some species can fly up to 2,000 miles non-stop. Female hummingbirds are known for their impressive nest-building skills, and they often use spider silk to hold their nests together.  Overall, hummingbirds spend most of their day searching for food and eating to keep up with their high energy needs. They are fascinating creatures to observe and can be a great addition to any backyard birdwatching experience.