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The Tiny Secrets Inside a Hummingbird's Nest

Topic Categories: BirdsStreaming videosZoology
Posted on: January 29, 2008 8:59 AM, by "GrrlScientist"

tags: , , ,

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]

Comments

#1

Fascinating.

Posted by: Mark P | January 29, 2008 9:55 AM

#2

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

#3

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

#4

Notice the difference in the beak length from day 30 to day 36.

Posted by: lectric lady | January 29, 2008 11:41 AM

#5

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

#6

#2: It's San Diego, so I'd guess Anna's.

Posted by: Sven DiMilo | January 31, 2008 3:01 PM

#7

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

#8

How fortunate for us! Incredible growth rate, and the beak growth was indeed fascinating!

Posted by: trog69 | February 2, 2008 10:39 PM

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