Nature News
Born to Burn Calories
They may be half helicopter and half bird, but hummingbirds are totally cool.
Sure, they maneuver like a crazed marionette, but you'd be selling these pint-sized sensations short if you thought
their flight pattern was their only interesting trait.
For instance, hummingbirds hold the record for possessing the fastest metabolism of any animal on the planet. Unbelievably, they burn 1 to 3 times their body weight in food every day.
Now that's a weight-loss regimen!
In order to accomplish this amazing feat, hummingbirds' bills and tongues have evolved into incredibly efficient feeding tools.
Despite popular belief, hummingbirds do not suck up nectar with their bills. They actually lap it up with their tongues.
While dipping their grooved tongues into nectar sources at up to 12 times a second, the nectar is drawn up and into their mouth each and every time.
You can see this remarkable tongue in action with our WBU Hummingbird Feeder. It features a transparent bottom that allows you to see a hummingbird's long tongue and rapid lapping action. This feeder is also the perfect gift for Mother's Day.
Stop by this month and we'll not only share more wild hummingbird facts, we'll help you pick out everything you need to get this miniature marvel to visit your backyard.