The Bumblebee Hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in the world, at only 2 3/4" in length, and lighter in weight than a U.S. penny. The Cuban Bee Hummingbird is the only bird considered to be smaller than the Bumblebee Hummingbird, but even these two species are very close in size. Given the small size and a bumblebee-like flight pattern, the species can often forage relatively unnoticed among other hummingbird species, protecting it from territorial aggressiveness that hummingbirds often display.
Habitat
Found in montane forests of pine and oak in Mexico.
Diet
Typical diet of hummingbirds, primarily nectar, but insects also comprise a portion of the diet.
Behavior
Typically much less aggressive than other hummingbird species, given its small size. They will often utilize territories established by other hummingbird species, remaining as unobtrusive as possible. Where competition with other hummingbird species is less intense, Bumblebee Hummingbirds will establish feeding territories and defend them from other Bumblebee Hummingbirds, as well as large insect intruders.
Nesting
Males form loose groups at the start of the breeding season, with females visiting courting groups while males compete for the female's attention. Females alone build the nest, incubate the eggs, and take care of the young. The nest is a tiny cup made of plant fibers, with spider webbing used to help construct the nest. The outside of the nest is typically covered with moss..
Song
The call is a high "chip". The groups of males attempting to attract females will sing a variety of high thin warbles, or other short songs.
Migration
Bumblebee Hummingbirds are permanent residents throughout their range.
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access an interactive eBird map of Bumblebee Hummingbird sightings
Feeders
Will attend hummingbird feeders
Similar Species
The Bumblebee Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Broad-tailed Hummingbird and the Rufous Hummingbird due to their overlapping ranges in the Mexican highlands. You can distinguish the Bumblebee Hummingbird by its diminutive size—it is one of the smallest birds in the world—and its unique habit of holding its tail cocked upward while hovering, unlike the more horizontal posture of its larger relatives. Additionally, the male Bumblebee lacks the brilliant rose-red gorget of the Broad-tailed, instead featuring a distinctively rounded, magenta-pink throat patch..
Conservation Status
No conservation concerns are presently noted for the species. The IUCN currently considers the Bumblebee Hummingbird to be a species of "least concern".
Further Information
Image Information
Color pencil drawing of a Bumblebee Hummingbird - Terry Sohl - February 2012 .
