::: ALCON :::

HUMMINGBIRD

Between the diverse genus and species of the Trochilidae family, where Hummingbirds are included, we find the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird (Eupetomena macroura). It differs from the other members of this family due to its great size (arrives to measure 17 cm) and its forked tail.

Males and females differ due to the coloration, being the colors in the males more intense. The iridescent effect is gotten for the pass of light through the iridescent structures presents in the feathers. The female is responsible for the nest construction, hatching, nourish and to safeguard the chicks.

It constructs the small nest in the pitchforks of the trees, using mosses, leaf and soft fibers, coating them later with spider’s web, that guarantees waterproofing and resistance to the nest. The small nest had cylindrical form and shelters two small eggs. After 3 or 4 weeks of the birth, the chicks are ready to leave the nest. They are territorial. They literally dominate a tree or food source, pursuing whom to invade its territory. They do most of its tasks alone, as to feed or to take bath.

Normally the pairs are seen only in the reproductive period, when they display a peculiar behavior composite by acrobatic flights and gorgeous sounds. The Hummingbird is one of the few birds capable to fly backwards or remaining stop in air in full flight. Capable to beat its wing 70 or more times for second, depending on the species, they need sufficient energy for this active. This energy is obtained from insects that they capture during the flight and also of the nectar obtained from the flowers, with the use of its fine beak and its long tongue. Some species can to visit more than 1000 flowers daily.

In the nature they are found in most diverse environments: bushes, closed and fields. Unhappily they meet threatened because of the environmental destruction that reduces its shelter, reproduction and feed places.

Feed:
alcon Club Beija-Flor Nectar (alcon Club Hummingbird Nectar).