Sarah

Much like the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, the Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is also well known for migrating south to Mexico for the winter months, and then back to the north for the breeding season. However, their behaviors during migration are very different. Relative to their weight, Canada Geese don't need to eat as often as a hummingbird does, and the distinctive "V" formation they fly in as groups during migration reduces wind resistance for group members further down the lines. Additionally, they regularly alternate positions in the "V" while flying, allowing the birds to rest at regular intervals and distribute the effort, as the one at the front of the "V" is working the hardest. All of this combined makes it so that Canada Geese can fly for very long periods of time without stopping, whereas hummingbirds must make frequent stops to feed.

I was surprised to learn that some hummingbirds will occasionally pierce the sides of flowers to get to the nectar. I was even more surprised to learn that some species, particularly dagger-bills, specialize in this feeding technique. I suppose I just never imagined that nectar robbing was a technique hummingbirds even could use, but it makes sense now that I think about it. Some tubular flowers are so long that many hummingbird species couldn't get to it any other way. Now that I know about it, I'll have to keep an eye out for nectar robbing hummingbirds so that I can see this technique in action.