Welcome to the 600th WBW! And as this is a special week, we have a special bird.
The Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is endemic to Cuba, and is also the smallest known bird in the world.
Females weigh 2.6 g and are 6.1 cm long, the males are slightly smaller with an average weight of 1.95 g and length of 5.5 cm. In other words we are looking at a bird which is about the same size as the first joint of your thumb, and a weight (mass really!) of about 1/2 a sugar cube.
By any measure, that's small.
The male has bluish upper parts, and the rest of the underparts mostly greyish white. Females are bluish green with a pale grey underside. Like all hummingbirds, this species lays two eggs - they are about the size of a frozen pea!
As you can see from the final picture, these birds were active around species feeders - but what a sight!
As ever, to join in with (the 600th!) WBW click in the link below. SM
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the milestone... and what a wee gem of a birdie!!! YAM xx
What a treat! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing an abundance of hummingbirds here in Costa Rica. But they are so hard to photograph. Good job! As always.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your accomplishment! Thank you so much for providing us this weekly party, Stewart Aloha!
ReplyDeleteYou have it back to front, Stewart, the males are smaller than the female, not larger - as the dimensions you cite indicate. Bigger or smaller they are both fabulous.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird photography every week!
ReplyDeleteSuch a remarkable and memorable sighting
ReplyDeleteStewart hese are fabulous shots considering it the smallest bird in the air and flying. Well done. Thanks for hosting all these post and congratulation on your 600th post. Have a great week ahead
ReplyDeletebeautiful.....
ReplyDeletethey will come to our area soon
Great photos of a beautiful little bird!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious little jewel!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. A big milestone and in its honour I have joined in with my rare photo of a bird. Rare for me that is not the bird.
ReplyDelete