The temperature to which a hummer can lower its body surprised me.

function of tongue

Hummingbird / Pachystachys lutea (Golden Shrimp Plant). Photo: Monterrey, Nuevo León, México.

Hummingbird / Pachystachys lutea (Golden Shrimp Plant). Photo: Monterrey, Nuevo León, México.

I didn't know hummingbirds would die in a few hours if they are unable to feed because they do not have fat stores. It was surprising they have a high metabolism, so we need to support them with water and trumpet-type flowers with high nectar quality coming from our flowers from our region.

I can not believe how cold the hummingbirds get, and how much they eat compared to humans! Truly amazing.

The view of the torpor on the thermal camera was so cool! I hope someday I'll be able to do that as well, very interesting way of showing torpor!

I hadn’t thought about it, but it’s amazing to hear that hummingbirds don’t have much fat reserves and would starve in a few hours if they didn’t have ways of conserving energy. I’m glad that humans can survive longer without food if we need to!

It was surprising to find out that they also eat insects! However, how do they avoid predation while they are in torpor?

I wonder if dropping their body temperature during torpor provides any side benefit for avoiding predation?

I did not realize that hummingbirds spend so much of their time perched to conserve energy. I also found the description of torpor interesting and want to learn more about that.

I also wonder how they avoid predators while in and coming out of torpor.

I didn't realize they fed on tree sap and insects!

I'm surprised to learn that they also eat insects. I did wonder how they obtained protein, but thought maybe they ingested pollen along with the nectar.  I suppose that it would be pretty difficult to observe this behavior casually, since they zip around so fast, and you can't really tell what they are doing with their tiny beaks. I'm also surprised that they drink at sapwells. (I guess I should keep an eye on those lines of holes that the yellow-bellied sapsuckers keep drilling in my trees.)  I always wondered how they manage to survive when they arrive back in my area before anything is blooming, and before I put out feeders.

I was not aware that any hummingbirds feed on the ground. Also, I was surprised about how hummingbirds take advantage of the work that woodpeckers do!

It's amazing that when they "first wake up" it is 20-30 minutes before they can do anything.  How do they avoid predators or other dangers while in torpor or morning catatonic stage?

I am fascinated by their wing structure and how it lets them hover and move back and forth.

I've seen my Ruby throated perch on the top of the bird feeder for hours on end but now understand why. I also didnt know they ate insects as much as they do.

I didn't realize how cool the birds get during torpor.

I didn't know the wings specifications of hummingbirds and also that there were so many different species! Also, it was very interesting to learn that they go into torpor to save energy.

I didn't know hummingbirds also feed at sapwells! This is a good hint when you go out to see birds. Also, I find very interesting the anatomy of the body of these little flying gems.

We had no idea they go into torpor, and how cold their bodies get as well as how high their normal body temperature is. They are amazingly adapted to not only their nutritional needs but their environment. Truly amazing!

Nothing so far.  At least about the birds.  I am happy to see people helping us learn more about the life that surrounds. us.

Was surprised that 90% of their diet is nectar.  Learned they spend 75% of their day perching to conserve energy.  And, was surprised that they are almost invisible when in tarpor.

That hummingbirds really perch. I’ve been watching a hummingbird perch outside in a tree near my window but I kept telling myself, it can’t be a hummingbird because hummingbirds always fly. So, it was really good to learn that my observation was right and I really was seeing a hummingbird and not another bird.