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April 27, 2007
Friday Feathers
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is an iridescent green bird with a black throat patch that reflects bright ruby red in the sun. No other bird is as tiny, its size a mere 3-3 1/2 inches (7.5-9 cm).
Can hover, fly up and down, and is the only bird to fly backward. Does not sing, but will chatter or buzz to communicate. The wings create a humming noise, flapping 50-60 times each second or faster during chasing flights. Its heart pumps 1,260 beats per minute, and it breathes 250 times per minute. Attracted to tubular red flowers.
Cindy
Comments
Beautiful shot. It reminds me to put the feeder out--Jim claims he heard one go by the other evening.
Brain matter deposited by: susan on April 27, 2007 9:26 AM
wow, great shot ... I like the wing blur to give it a sense of speed.
Brain matter deposited by: sdy on April 28, 2007 2:11 AM
Steve - thanks!
Susan - thanks!
Brain matter deposited by: Cindy on May 2, 2007 6:57 AM