Bee Hummingbird: The Tiniest Bird with a Giant Attitude

The Bee Hummingbird, also known as Mellisuga helenae, might be the tiniest bird out there, but don’t let its size fool you. This little powerhouse bird is nothing short of a giant with a don’t-mess-with-me attitude.

Physical Characteristics

The Bee Hummingbird is so small that it can easily fit in the palm of your hand. It measures about 2.25 inches long and weighs about 0.06 ounces. It has a bright, iridescent plumage that ranges from bronze-green to pink-red, depending on the gender and lighting.

Diet

Being a hummingbird, the Bee Hummingbird feeds mainly on nectar. It has a long, curved beak that it uses to extract nectar from flowers. However, it’s not just a nectar connoisseur; it also feeds on insects and spiders for protein.

Habitat

The Bee Hummingbird lives in Cuba and its surrounding islands. It prefers to live in dry, shrubby areas, and can often be found in pine forests.

Behavior

Despite its size, the Bee Hummingbird is known for its fierce and aggressive behavior. It is known to fiercely defend its territory and will even attack other birds and animals that it perceives to be a threat. It’s a true David-and-Goliath scenario, as this little bird takes on creatures many times its size.

Fun Facts

It’s believed that the Bee Hummingbird’s wings beat so fast, that they make an audible buzzing sound.
The male Bee Hummingbird is known for its elaborate courtship display, where it flies high up into the sky and then rapidly dives back down to attract a mate.
The Bee Hummingbird is the national bird of Cuba and has even been featured on Cuban currency.