The first Saturday in September means it is time to celebrate hummingbirds. These very small, delicate- looking, pretty birds are fascinating because of their long migration and special skills, but we do not have them in Australia. Perhaps that is why they fascinate me. Most Australian birds are large and noisy so perhaps hummingbirds have novelty value for me, like robins do.
Hummingbirds are tiny, colourful, thin-beaked birds that get their name from the humming noise that occurs when they flap their wings very fast. The over 300 species of hummingbirds are natives of North and South America.
Hummingbirds lay the smallest eggs of all birds. They are smaller than a jellybean!
A hummingbird's heart rate is more than 1200 beats per minute. Our heart rate is only 60 to 100 beats a minute.
- It is easy for Australian children to learn about hummingbirds from beautifully illustrated children's books. Try these:
And there is a lovely section about hummingbirds in The Most Important Animal of All by Penny Worms and Hannah Bailey
Looking for nonfiction?
• Hummingbirds by Bonnie Bader
• Time to Shine: Celebrating the World's Iridescent Animals by Karen Jameson and Dave Murray
And stories:
• The Little Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas
This inspiring children's book is based on a South American indigenous story about a courageous hummingbird who defies fear and expectations in her attempt to save the forest from fire. The illustrated story is supplemented by a natural and cultural history of hummingbirds, as well as an inspiring message from Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. The evocative artwork by internationally renowned Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas complements this optimistic tale that encourages everyone to take responsibility for their home and the planet.
