Mellisuga minima
The Vervain Hummingbird (Mellisuga minima) is a jewel of the Greater Antilles, holding the distinction of being the smallest bird in its range and the second smallest in the world, surpassed only by its close relative, the Bee Hummingbird. Measuring a mere 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 in) in length and weighing just 2-2.4 grams, this diminutive avian marvel possesses an iridescent green back, contrasting with white underparts. Males exhibit a spectacular deeply forked black tail and a variable iridescent ...
Found primarily in dry forests, forest edges, open woodlands, shrublands, coffee plantations, and even suburban gardens, from sea level up to moderate elevations around 2000 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, using its long, extendable tongue. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, which are either gleaned from foliage or hawked in flight.
Vervain Hummingbirds are highly active and diurnal, constantly foraging during daylight hours to fuel their high metabolism, often entering a state of torpor at night to conserve energy. They employ a trap-lining foraging strategy, regularly visiting a circuit of preferred flowers, and also glean...
The Vervain Hummingbird is resident throughout much of the Greater Antilles. Its primary range encompasses Jamaica and the island of Hispaniola, which includes both Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where it is a common and widespread species. A distinct subspecies (*M. m. mellivaga*) was histori...
Least Concern
- The Vervain Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the Greater Antilles and the second smallest in the world after the Bee Hummingbird. - Its wings beat so rapidly, up to 80 times per second, that they produce an audible hum. - To conserve energy during periods of inactivity or cold, it can enter ...