Pollination, whereby pollen grains (male) are transferred to the ovule (female) of a plant, is an irreplaceable step in the reproduction of seed plants. Most plant fruits are unable to develop without pollination taking place and many beautiful flower varieties would die out if not pollinated. Bees and insects are the most common pollinators, but bats and birds are known to do their share in this vital activity. The agent moving the pollen, whether it is moths, bees, bats, wind or birds, is called the “pollinator” and the plant providing the pollen is called the “pollenizer”.

Biotic pollination is the term used when pollination is aided by a pollinator. When this is carried out by birds, the term used is Ornithophily. Hummingbirds, spiderhunters, sunbirds, honeycreepers and honeyeaters are the most common pollinator bird species. Plants that make use of pollination by birds commonly have bright red, orange or yellow flowers and very little scent. This is because birds have a keen sense of sight for color, but generally little or no sense of smell. Bird pollinated flowers produce copious amounts of nectar to attract and feed the birds that are performing the pollination, as well as having pollen that is usually large and sticky to cling to the feathers of the bird.

Hummingbirds are small birds which are found only in the Americas. Their ability to hover in mid air by flapping their wings up to eighty times per second, plus their long curved beaks and a love for sweet nectar, makes them perfect pollinators. Hummingbirds burn up a tremendous amount of energy as they dart about from flower to flower and so they are attracted to the flowers that will give them something in return for their pollinating efforts. The flowers they are particularly fond of include shrimp plants, verbenas, bee balm, honeysuckles, fuchsias, hibiscus and bromeliads.

Sunbirds and spiderhunters feed mainly on nectar, although when feeding young, they often also eat insects. Sunbird species can take nectar while hovering, but usually perch to feed. Their long curved beaks and brush-tipped tubular tongues make these birds particularly suited to feeding on and pollinating tubular flowers.

Honeyeaters resemble hummingbirds in many ways, but are not capable of lengthy hovering flight. Honeyeaters quickly flit from perch to perch, stretching or hanging upside down in order to reach the nectar with their highly developed brush-tipped tongue, while at the same time serving as a pollinator.

Birds are not known for pollinating food growing crops, but this does not mean that they are not important. If it were not for the assistance of our feathered friends, many plant species would be in danger of extinction.

Related posts:

1. Aviornis – Playing An Important Role in Bird Conservation
2. Sleepy Hummingbirds
3. Guide to Birds and Birding

Hummingbirds are a bird species well known for their amazing aerobatic skills. You may see a hummingbird hovering at a flower having a drink of nectar. Its wings are a misty blur either side of it. In an instant, it might dart forward, sideways, backwards or even upside down, wings beating furiously at 50 to 80, or even more, beats per second. The number of beats per second varies according to the size and species of the bird. It has been reported that a hummingbird can travel at speeds of 30 to 60 miles per hour (50 to 100 km/h) and then abruptly stop and hover in one position. How do they accomplish these amazing aerobatic feats?

The hummingbird is designed in a marvelous and unique way. It has well-developed muscles which are fastened to its rather prominent breastbone and this makes up 25 to 30 percent of its body weight. It has rigid wings from shoulder to wingtip. This allows for power in both the upward and downward beats of the hummingbird’s wings. Other birds have power only in the downward stroke of their wings. The result of this is that the hummingbird has both lift and propulsion. In addition to this, the shoulder joint allows a rotation of 180 degrees. This enables their wings to pivot both forward and backward, something like oars on a rowing boat. They are truly well-equipped to carry out these awesome aerobatics. Other birds do have the ability to hover, however, there is no disputing the fact that hummingbirds are the experts at this. Also, no other bird can rise vertically and fly in reverse. The hummingbird does all this, frequently changing direction in a split second.

All this skill comes in very handy when it comes to mating season. The male hummingbird will put on an absolutely dazzling display in an effort to gain the approval of his chosen mate. For example, the North American ruby-throated hummingbird will rise quite high up into the air and then launch himself into a power dive, down in front of his prospective mate. As he reaches her, he rises up again in a U-shaped formation. All the while he ensures that she gets the full benefit of the light reflecting off his iridescent feathers. How could she resist?

All things considered, the fascinating hummingbird, although the smallest in the world, is certainly worth seeing in its natural habitat – so try and spot one in your garden.

Related posts:

1. Sleepy Hummingbirds
2. 2008 Hummer/Bird Celebration
3. The Marvelous Mechanics of Flight

Hummingbirds need a significant amount of calories to fuel their busy bodies. One source of energy comes from their appetite of constantly sipping sugar-rich nectar from flowers, and catching insects for extra food. Few other creatures have to consume so much fuel compared to their body weight as does the hummingbird specie. When a hummingbird is busily flying, it would take only a few hours without food before they would starve to death!

So how can they possibly survive through a long winter night without starving?

The trick is that the bird goes into torpor. Each night, hummingbirds slow their heartbeat, and let their body temperature drop. Once their body cools (they sometimes cool their body temperature as low as 68 degrees F, or 20 degrees C,) the hummingbird becomes lethargic or even unaware of its surroundings. But when the bird is in such as state, they need fewer calories to keep warm and to fuel their metabolism.

The next morning, it takes a while (up to 60 minutes) for this super-cooled hummingbird to warm back up. But they have survived another night without starving, and are ready to seek out a breakfast of flower nectar.

Several other groups of bird species occasionally rely upon torpor as an energy saving strategy. For instance, tiny titmice and chickadees may let their bodies cool by 8-12 degrees Fahrenheit, if the night is particularly cold. But only the hummingbird needs such a drastic drop in its temperature each night to rest and conserve its energy.

Related posts:

1. How Penguins Stay Warm (and cool!)
2. How Do Hummingbirds Hover?
3. Bird Conference To Have Renewable Energy Theme

What you may not know, however, is that your sugar-water could actually hurt your birds! Follow these two basic guidelines, to ensure the health of your colorful feathered friends:

• Refresh the sugar-water every 2-4 days- Sugar water can ferment quickly. The hummingbirds will continue to drink it, but the fermented mixture enlarges their livers, causing health problems. Do your iridescent friends a favor, and keep changing the feeder’s water, especially in hot weather. Wash the feeder while you’re at it: use only hot water and a scrub-brush, no soaps.
• Only use sugar! Avoid red food coloring – it may not be good for the birds. The red colors on the feeder itself should be enough to attract them. Use a simple mixture of four parts water to one part table sugar. Avoid any other sweeteners like honey, which will ferment more quickly.

Don’t have the time to keep cleaning that bird feeder? Consider hanging some flower baskets by your windows instead – fuchsias and petunias are a few hummingbird favorites.

Related posts:

1. The Important Role of Birds in Pollination
2. Keeping Waxbills in an Aviary
3. Squirrel-proofing Bird Feeders