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Did You Know? • The Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) is the smallest species of bird in the world. This species of bird weighs only 1.8 grams and is lighter than a dime. • The heart rate of a hummingbird has been measured at as many as 1,260 beats per minute. • The Caribbean archipelago of Trinidad and Tobago is known as “the land of the hummingbird.”

What’s small, moves really fast and loves sugar? No, the answer isn’t a pre-schooler, it’s a hummingbird! These tiny avians are named for the distinct humming sound produced by the rapid movement of their wings. In fact, some hummingbird species can flap their wings as many as 80 times per second.

A hummingbird’s movement is quite remarkable. It is the only type of bird in the world that can fly backwards, straight up, straight down, and even hover in mid-air!

Hummingbirds feed on plant nectar, preferably with about 25 percent sugar content. They use their long, thin bills and forked tongues to retrieve nectar from deep within flowers. Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolism and must feed almost continually, sometimes visiting 1,000 flowers in a single day. Certain plants and flowers (see table above) are great for attracting hummingbirds. You can also try a hummingbird feeder with artificial nectar.

Want to learn more about hummingbirds? Make plans to attend the 2nd-Annual Hummingbird Festival at Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center in Grafton. The festival takes place on Sunday, August 10, from 2 – 5 p.m. It’s a great chance to see these amazing birds up close, and maybe even adopt one! For more information, call the Pere Marquette Lodge at (618) 786-2331.