The Tiny Secrets Inside a Hummingbird's Nest

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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]

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Fascinating.

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!

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)...

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

By lectric lady (not verified) on 29 Jan 2008 #permalink

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?

By Sven DiMilo (not verified) on 31 Jan 2008 #permalink

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

By Sven DiMilo (not verified) on 31 Jan 2008 #permalink

I'd say Anna's too - and that was SO beautiful. I had no idea that they grew so quickly!

By CanadianChick (not verified) on 02 Feb 2008 #permalink

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