These tiny creatures are fascinating to watch, with their bright colors, rapid wingbeats, and ability to hover in mid-air.
Physical Features
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, with some species being only about the size of a bumblebee. They have long, thin beaks and tongues that they use to suck nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds also have beautiful, iridescent feathers that shimmer and change color in the light.
Flight and Hovering
Hummingbirds are amazing flyers. They can fly forward, backward, up, down, and even upside down. Their wings beat so fast that they make a humming sound, which is how they got their name. Hummingbirds are also the only birds that can hover in mid-air, which allows them to feed on flowers without having to land.
Diet and Feeding
Hummingbirds eat mostly nectar from flowers. They use their long, thin beaks and tongues to reach deep into flowers and suck out the sweet liquid. Hummingbirds also eat insects and spiders, which give them protein and other nutrients.
Importance to the Ecosystem
Hummingbirds are important pollinators. They help to transfer pollen from one flower to another, which helps plants to make seeds. Hummingbirds also help to control insect populations.
Threats and Conservation
Hummingbirds are facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides. Conservationists are working to protect hummingbirds and their habitats.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that play an important role in the ecosystem. Their beauty, flight abilities, and importance to the environment make them a joy to watch and appreciate.
WORDLIST:
hummingbird – колибри
creatures – создания
fascinating – увлекательный
rapid wingbeats – быстрые взмахи крыльев
ability to hover in mid-air – способность зависать в воздухе
species – виды
bumblebee – шмель
beaks – клювы
suck – сосать
iridescent – переливающийся
shimmer – мерцать
liquid – жидкость
pollinators – опылители
transfer pollen – переносить пыльцу
threats – угрозы
habitat loss – потеря среды обитания
QUESTIONS:
What is the smallest bird in the world?
Describe the physical features of hummingbirds.
How do hummingbirds fly?
What do hummingbirds eat?
Why are hummingbirds important to the ecosystem?
What are some threats facing hummingbirds?
How do hummingbirds use their beaks and tongues to feed?