tags: hummingbird nest, birds, ornithology, streaming video
This video was sent to me by a friend who works at National Geographic (and later, by an aviculturist whom I know) and it seems appropriate for today, considering that winter has closed her icy hand around us all. This video is a small glimpse into the lives of two hummingbird chicks, from when they are mere eggs until the moment when they fledge. I am amazed to see how deeply the mother puts her long beak into the chicks' mouths when feeding them -- it seems almost as though she might pierce the bottom of their crops! The music is "Inspiration" by George Winston from his Spring album [3:35]
Life Science
Comments
Fascinating.
Posted by: Mark P | January 29, 2008 9:55 AM
Wow, how I wish I could see that myself.
Are they ruby throated hummers? If so, I didn't know the male also fed the babies!
Posted by: Mus | January 29, 2008 10:42 AM
that was truly wonderful...
i wondered the same thing about the beak / chick's crop, too, and wondered also about the size of the nest after 25 days - one would think it was Way Too Small for the two of them, plus mom (for continued incubation / warmth)...
Posted by: travelgirl | January 29, 2008 11:04 AM
Notice the difference in the beak length from day 30 to day 36.
Posted by: lectric lady | January 29, 2008 11:41 AM
Nice!
#4: Isn't that cool? That's typical of birds with long or otherwise modified beaks: they typically don't hatch out that way. Almost a metamorphosis. Bit of ontogeny recapitulating phylogeny?
Posted by: Sven DiMilo | January 31, 2008 2:56 PM
#2: It's San Diego, so I'd guess Anna's.
Posted by: Sven DiMilo | January 31, 2008 3:01 PM
I'd say Anna's too - and that was SO beautiful. I had no idea that they grew so quickly!
Posted by: CanadianChick | February 2, 2008 6:29 PM
How fortunate for us! Incredible growth rate, and the beak growth was indeed fascinating!
Posted by: trog69 | February 2, 2008 10:39 PM