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List of hummingbirds facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) keeps track of all the different kinds of birds. They recognize 366 amazing hummingbird species! These tiny birds are grouped into 112 different families, called genera. There's even one species, Brace's emerald, that we only know from a specimen found long ago, and it's now extinct. This list helps scientists organize and understand all the different hummingbirds in the world.

Antillean crested hummingbird
The Antillean crested hummingbird has a cool crest!
Anthracothorax nigricollis 1152
Look at the shiny throat of the Black-throated mango.
Blue-chinned sapphire (Chlorestes notata notata) male
The Blue-chinned sapphire is a real gem.
Blue-headed hummingbird
The Blue-headed hummingbird has a bright blue head.
Ocreatus addae (Rufous-booted Racket-tail), Paucartambo, Peru
The Rufous-booted racket-tail has unique leg feathers.
BroadbilledHummingbird
The Broad-billed hummingbird has a wide bill.
050305 Brown Violet-ear crop
The Brown violetear is named for the patches on its head.
BuffTailedCoronent
The Buff-tailed coronet has a pretty tail.
Boissonneaua matthewsii -Machu Picchu, Peru-8
The Chestnut-breasted coronet shows off its colors.
Copper-rumped hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci tobaci) in flight To
The Copper-rumped hummingbird has a coppery patch.
Hummingbird
The Costa's hummingbird is often found in the desert.
Jamaican mango (Anthracothorax mango) male
The Jamaican mango is a beautiful island bird.
Purple-throated carib hummingbird
The Purple-throated carib has a vibrant throat.
Red-billed streamertail( Trochilus polytmus) adult male 2
The Red-billed streamertail has long tail feathers.
Ruby-topaz hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) male in flight
The Ruby-topaz hummingbird shines like jewels.
Rufous-breasted hermit ( Glaucis hirsutus insularum)
The Rufous-breasted hermit has a curved bill.
Vervain hummingbird (Mellisuga minima)
The Vervain hummingbird is one of the smallest.
White-necked jacobin (Florisuga mellivora mellivora) male Tr
The White-necked jacobin has a striking white neck.

What are Hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are tiny, colorful birds known for their amazing flying skills. They can hover in place, fly backward, and even upside down! Their wings beat so fast that they make a "humming" sound, which is how they got their name. These birds are super important for nature because they help pollinate flowers, just like bees do.

How Many Types of Hummingbirds Are There?

The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) is a group of experts who keep track of all bird species. They currently recognize 366 different kinds of hummingbirds! These species are divided into 112 main groups, called genera. Each hummingbird has a unique scientific name, like Topaza pella for the Crimson topaz. This helps scientists around the world know exactly which bird they are talking about.

Amazing Hummingbird Species

There are so many cool hummingbirds, each with its own special look! For example, the Ruby-topaz hummingbird has bright, jewel-like colors. The Sword-billed hummingbird has a beak that's longer than its body, which it uses to reach nectar deep inside flowers. Some, like the Bee hummingbird, are tiny, while the Giant hummingbird is much larger.

Here are just a few examples of the many different hummingbirds:

  • Crimson topaz (Topaza pella)
  • Fiery topaz (Topaza pyra)
  • White-necked jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
  • Black jacobin (Florisuga fusca)
  • Ruby-topaz hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus)
  • Jamaican mango (Anthracothorax mango)
  • Purple-throated carib (Eulampis jugularis)
  • Green thorntail (Discosura conversii)
  • Tufted coquette (Lophornis ornatus)
  • Marvelous spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis)
  • Giant hummingbird (Patagona gigas)
  • Sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera)
  • Red-billed streamertail (Trochilus polytmus)
  • Vervain hummingbird (Mellisuga minima)
  • Bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae)

This is just a small peek at the incredible variety of hummingbirds that exist! Each one plays a special role in its environment.

Images for kids

  • Antillean crested hummingbird

    The Antillean crested hummingbird has a cool crest!

  • Anthracothorax nigricollis 1152

    Look at the shiny throat of the Black-throated mango.

  • Blue-chinned sapphire (Chlorestes notata notata) male

    The Blue-chinned sapphire is a real gem.

  • Blue-headed hummingbird

    The Blue-headed hummingbird has a bright blue head.

  • Ocreatus addae (Rufous-booted Racket-tail), Paucartambo, Peru

    The Rufous-booted racket-tail has unique leg feathers.

  • BroadbilledHummingbird

    The Broad-billed hummingbird has a wide bill.

  • 050305 Brown Violet-ear crop

    The Brown violetear is named for the patches on its head.

  • BuffTailedCoronent

    The Buff-tailed coronet has a pretty tail.

  • Boissonneaua matthewsii -Machu Picchu, Peru-8

    The Chestnut-breasted coronet shows off its colors.

  • Copper-rumped hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci tobaci) in flight To

    The Copper-rumped hummingbird has a coppery patch.

  • Hummingbird

    The Costa's hummingbird is often found in the desert.

  • Jamaican mango (Anthracothorax mango) male

    The Jamaican mango is a beautiful island bird.

  • Purple-throated carib hummingbird

    The Purple-throated carib has a vibrant throat.

  • Red-billed streamertail( Trochilus polytmus) adult male 2

    The Red-billed streamertail has long tail feathers.

  • Ruby-topaz hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) male in flight

    The Ruby-topaz hummingbird shines like jewels.

  • Rufous-breasted hermit ( Glaucis hirsutus insularum)

    The Rufous-breasted hermit has a curved bill.

  • Vervain hummingbird (Mellisuga minima)

    The Vervain hummingbird is one of the smallest.

  • White-necked jacobin (Florisuga mellivora mellivora) male Tr

    The White-necked jacobin has a striking white neck.

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List of hummingbirds Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.