Tag Archives: hummingbird

How a Hummingbird “Drinks” its Nectar

This is the answer given by Grok/K AI Chat when I asked “

How does a hummingbird use its tongue to drink the nectar?”

Got to love technology now if anyone out there can prove or improve the answer, let us know! Hummingbird sticking out its tongue

A hummingbird uses its tongue in a fascinating and highly efficient way to drink nectar. Unlike humans or many other animals that rely on suction alone, hummingbirds employ a combination of capillary action and a unique tongue structure to extract nectar from flowers.
The hummingbird’s tongue is long, thin, and forked at the tip, splitting into two grooves. For years, scientists thought the tongue worked like a simple straw, using capillary action (the ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without external forces) to draw nectar up into the bird’s mouth. However, more recent research has revealed a more dynamic process.
When a hummingbird extends its tongue into a flower, the forked tips spread apart and the grooves collapse. As the tongue dips into the nectar, the grooves rapidly open and close, trapping the liquid inside through a pumping mechanism. This action is powered by the elasticity of the tongue and the bird’s quick movements—hummingbirds can lick up to 10-15 times per second! The nectar is then pulled up the grooves and into the bird’s mouth, where it swallows the sweet reward.
This efficient system allows hummingbirds to consume nectar quickly, which is critical for their high-energy lifestyle. They need to eat frequently—sometimes consuming more than their body weight in nectar daily—to fuel their rapid wingbeats and hovering flight. It’s a remarkable adaptation perfectly suited to their role as pollinators and nectar feeders!

More Fun Facts!

Now that the hummingbirds have left our area, we want to share some fun hummingbird facts. We’ll release one video each week until we are done. A complete list is located below in this description.

#hummingbirds #hummingbird #rubythroatedhummingbird #wildbirds #backyardbirdwatchers #backyardbirds

For a complete list of all the fun hummingbird facts please visit: https://sugarshakernectarmaker.com/hummingbird-fun-facts/

https://sugarshakernectarmaker.com/hummingbird-fun-facts/This video series is brought to you by Sugar Shaker Nectar Maker, the fastest, easiest and cleanest method of making hummingbird nectar. Make your hummingbird nectar in under 30 seconds using cold water. Visit https://www.sugarshakernectarmaker.com for more information.

Hummingbird Courtship

I saw this picture and just had to pass it on…

Here is a wine-throated hummingbird showing off his feathers.

You won’t  find this bird in the US. It is a non-migratory hummingbird native to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.