Bee Hummingbird

The bee hummingbird, also known as zunzuncito or Helena hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae), holds the title of the smallest known bird on our planet. The male of the species is particularly diminutive, with an average weight of a mere 1.95 grams and a length of 5.5 centimeters. The females are slightly larger, tipping the scales at 2.6 grams and measuring 6.1 centimeters in length. Despite their size, these birds are robust fliers. Males are resplendent with a green pileum and a bright red throat, their iridescent gorget flanked by elongated lateral plumes, and bluish upper parts, while the underparts are mostly a greyish white. Females, on the other hand, sport a bluish-green back with a pale gray underside, and their tail feathers are marked with white spots.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the bee hummingbird, look for its rounded, plump body shape, which sets it apart from other small hummingbirds that often appear more slender. The male's vibrant red throat and elongated lateral plumes are distinctive during the breeding season, while the female's bluish-green back and pale gray underside are key identifying features.

Habitat

The bee hummingbird is found in areas of dense vegetation that include lianas and epiphytes, thriving in the thick, verdant landscapes of its native Cuban archipelago.

Distribution

Endemic to Cuba, including the main island and the Isla de la Juventud, the bee hummingbird's population is somewhat fragmented. It can be found in the mogote areas of Pinar del Río Province, the Zapata Swamp in Matanzas Province, and various locations in eastern Cuba.

Behaviour

This diurnal bird is a master of flight, capable of reaching speeds between 40-48 km/h and beating its wings at an astonishing rate of 80-200 times per second. This rapid wing movement allows the bee hummingbird to hover in place as it feeds from flowers. In the wild, these birds can live up to seven years, and up to ten years in captivity.

Song & Calls

The bee hummingbird's vocalizations are a high-pitched, jumbled twitter, often heard as males sing from the highest trees within their territory.

Breeding

The breeding season for bee hummingbirds spans from March to June. Females lay one or two eggs, each about the size of a coffee bean. Males court females with a fluttering display dive, their tail-feathers producing a distinctive sound.

Diet and Feeding

The bee hummingbird's diet consists primarily of nectar from a variety of plant species, including nine native to Cuba. They also consume insects and spiders, often eating up to half their body weight in a single day. Remarkably, they may visit 1,500 flowers daily, playing a crucial role in plant reproduction by transferring pollen as they feed.

Conservation Status

The bee hummingbird is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It is also listed in Appendix II of CITES, indicating that it is not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is closely controlled.