Dusky hummingbird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dusky hummingbird |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Apodiformes |
| Family: | Trochilidae |
| Tribe: | Trochilini |
| Genus: | Phaeoptila Gould, 1861 |
| Species: |
P. sordida
|
| Binomial name | |
| Phaeoptila sordida (Gould, 1859)
|
|
 |
|
| Script error: The function "autoWithCaption" does not exist. | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Cyanomyia sordida (Gould), Cynanthus sordidus |
|
Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".
The dusky hummingbird (Phaeoptila sordida) is a small, fast-flying bird. It's a type of hummingbird found only in Mexico. It belongs to a group of hummingbirds often called "emeralds."
About the Dusky Hummingbird
How Scientists Classify This Bird
Scientists group living things to understand them better. The dusky hummingbird used to be in a group called Cynanthus. But after new studies, most scientists now place it in its own special group, or genus, called Phaeoptila. This group was first named by John Gould in 1861.
The dusky hummingbird is the only species in the Phaeoptila genus. This means it's quite unique! It does not have any different types or subspecies.
What Does the Dusky Hummingbird Look Like?
The dusky hummingbird is about 9 to 10.6 centimeters (3.5 to 4.2 inches) long. Males weigh around 4.3 grams (0.15 ounces). Females are a bit lighter, at about 3.4 grams (0.12 ounces).
Males have a bright red beak with a black tip. Their top feathers are a shiny bronze-green. This color can look more brownish or grayish on their head and upper tail feathers. Their tail is a dull greenish-bronze or grayish-brown. They have a grayish stripe behind their eye and dark cheeks.
Unlike many hummingbirds, the dusky hummingbird does not have a super shiny throat patch. Instead, its throat is deep gray with small green flecks. Its belly and underparts are a lighter gray. It also has white fluffy feathers on its legs.
Females look a lot like males. However, their beak is a duller red with a dark tip. Their outer tail feathers have a blackish-blue band near the end. Their underparts are also a paler gray.
Where Do Dusky Hummingbirds Live?
The dusky hummingbird lives in southwestern Mexico. You can find them in states like Michoacán, Morelos, and Oaxaca.
They prefer dry, open areas with some trees and bushes. These birds live at elevations between 900 and 2,200 meters (2,950 to 7,200 feet) above sea level.
Dusky Hummingbird Behavior
How Do They Move?
Scientists are still learning about the dusky hummingbird's movements. It's not yet known if they migrate or stay in one place all year.
What Do Dusky Hummingbirds Eat?
Dusky hummingbirds mostly drink nectar from flowers. They look for nectar in the middle and upper parts of trees. They also feed from large cactus flowers and agave plants. While feeding, they often spread and wag their tails. Besides nectar, they also eat small insects and spiders.
How Do They Raise Their Young?
Dusky hummingbirds have been seen building nests and raising young in many months. These include March, May, August, November, and December.
Their nest is a small cup made of plant fibers. It's lined with soft plant down and covered with bits of leaves and bark. Nests have been found about 1.2 to 2 meters (4 to 7 feet) above the ground in shrubs. The exact time it takes for eggs to hatch or for young birds to leave the nest is not yet known.
What Sounds Do They Make?
The dusky hummingbird's song is described as a "quiet, dry, chippering warble." They also make "dry, slightly buzzy chips." Their chattering call is similar to the broad-billed hummingbird's call. However, it is softer and sounds more like liquid or spluttering.
Dusky Hummingbird Status
Are They Endangered?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed the dusky hummingbird as a species of "Least Concern." This is good news! It means they are not currently at high risk of becoming endangered.
They have a fairly large area where they live. Their population is believed to be stable, with at least 50,000 adult birds. Scientists have not found any specific major threats to this species.
 | DeHart Hubbard |
 | Wilma Rudolph |
 | Jesse Owens |
 | Jackie Joyner-Kersee |
 | Major Taylor |
