I didn’t realize that they could cool down at night to conserve energy.

Didn’t know they ate spiders !

What surprised me is how much time they spend in torpor.  Also, they seem to have tongues that are similar to woodpeckers'.

I am surprised to learn that only 10% of their diet is protein, with the rest being sugar from nectar and maybe sap wells.

I am amazed at the low body temperature they maintain during torpor. I have also,  wondered what the anatomy of their wings were. It is interesting to see how their wings share the skeletal of the human arm, but in different proportions.

I'm amazed at the diversity of hummingbirds and how many different species there are.

The way hummingbirds drink nectar is fascinating! And the way their wing anatomy is designed is just incredible.

Lots of surprises here.  Length of tongue, torpor, nectar robbing....Wow!  These birds are fascinating.

I did not know a hummingbird had to feed as often as every few hours.
I knew they could use torpor at night to conserve energy, but I did not realize how low their body temperature goes in that state!

I had heard about torpor, but didn’t know it was so deep. No reply is necessary.

Their tongues wrap around their heads like woodpeckers. Torpor with infared cameras is amazing.

I had no idea that their body temperature can vary so drastically. How does that compare with other birds?

I was really surprised by nectar robbing. I don't get why some hummingbirds do it and others don't.

The fact that they can migrate such large distances as other larger birds, it's indeed one of the most magical fact to understand about these precious creatures. Also the color reflecting phenomenon on their feathers is pretty amazing, never thought it would be such complex mechanism that lets these birds to look like magical buddies.

I was surprised that it would take 20 to 30 minutes for a hummingbird to 'awaken' from torpor, how vulnerable they are.

I was surprised that torpor drops the body temperatures so much. I knew they there torpor to use less energy, but this is more extreme than I was expecting. Also, I have seen hummingbirds use their tongues, but didn't realize how it worked nor how long they are! So cool!

I loved learning how they angle their wings so that they get thrust on both the upward and downward wing beat.

The location of their tongue when not in use surprised me.

I had concerns that hummingbirds wouldn't be able to reach the nectar in a feeder if the water level dropped. I hadn't thought about tongues and the novel structure and use. So interesting. I am learning so much.

I didn't realize that there are so many species or that they only reside in the Western hemisphere. I learned that the males do not participate in nest-building or raising of the chicks.

everything about hummingbirds surprises and delights me! I thought I knew something about them, but this class has taught me so much more.

Great lesson! What little warriors being able to do all the wing maneuvers and how their tongue works. Also, just how hot they are and how cool they can get while being in torpor! I have heard that sometimes they can/will hang upside down in torpor. Would anyone know why this is?

I did not realize some birds utilize tree sap to supplement nectar, especially early in the season.

The way their tongues work really surprised me. I’d envisioned a simple straw, which would probably require way too much effort to use.

I have learned so much with this course! Everything is fascinating about these tiny creatures!

I was amazed at how the hummingbird’s tongue works and rests when not in use. I loved to hear about how they get into a torpor to save energy.

Torpor fascinates me. I have only seen hummingbirds cone to my feeder or the Trumpeter Vine.  The hummingbirds would be vulnerable to predatory birds when in a torpor state. Can their feet clutch a branch to perch.