Facts about Hummingbirds

Last week, we focused on expressing gratitude for items and experiences that begin with the letter G. Today, we invite you to participate by sharing something you are thankful for that starts with the letter H. Your contributions can foster a spirit of appreciation and reflection.

I'm grateful for Hummingbirds. What are you grateful for that begins with the letter H?

🌈 Winged Wonders: The Enchanting World of Hummingbirds

They’re tiny, they’re speedy, and they sparkle like flying gemstones. Hummingbirds are nature’s confetti, fluttering around gardens and forests with a buzz, a blur, and a whole lot of brilliance.

🚀 Fast Facts That Fly

• Hummingbirds can flap their wings up to 80 times per second. That’s faster than a blinking eye!
• They're the only birds that can fly backwards, yep, like little aerial ninjas.
• Some species weigh less than a pencil eraser and can zip around at 30 miles per hour.

Their heartbeats can soar to 1,200 beats per minute during flight. That’s like a tiny drum solo in the sky!

🌺 Sip, Hover, Repeat

Hummingbirds love nectar, but they're also fans of small insects for extra protein. To feed, they use their long tongues, which extend far beyond their beaks and work like little pumps.

And speaking of food, they visit hundreds of flowers a day, burning off energy like tiny Olympians. No wonder they need to snack so often!

🌍 Global Gliders

Hummingbirds are found only in the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. The largest variety of hummingbirds lives in tropical places like Ecuador, where hummingbird gardens bloom with vibrant colors.

Fun twist: the bee hummingbird of Cuba is the world’s smallest bird, only about 2 inches long!

🎨 Dressed to Dazzle

Their feathers aren’t actually colorful; they reflect light like prisms, creating the shiny rainbow effect. It’s all about angles and sunlight. Depending on how the light hits them, the same bird might appear green, red, or purple.

That shimmer? Pure science. And pure show-off.

📅 Little Bird, Big Celebrations

• National Hummingbird Day is celebrated in September, perfect for backyard spotting.
• Some cultures see hummingbirds as symbols of joy, luck, or love, tiny messengers of happiness.

There are so many wonderful things to look forward to! Expressing gratitude not only enhances our well-being but also sets a positive tone for the future. As we embrace upcoming moments, let’s remember that our appreciation can spread joy to both ourselves and those around us. Anticipating these experiences, let’s stay thankful and keep an eye on all the good that lies ahead! 

Next week, we’ll embark on a celebration of all things that start with the letter I! Let’s express our gratitude for everything from cozy comforts to fascinating curiosities. It's time to embrace and appreciate the wonderful gifts that begin with this inspiring letter!

Get your worksheet here:

🐦 H Is for Hummingbird: “Hummingbird Hover & Gratitude Feeder”

Let kids learn about hummingbirds while creating their own gratitude-themed nectar stations, blending science, kindness, and outdoor exploration!

🍯 What You’ll Need:

• Small plastic container or paper cup
• Red paper or paint (to attract hummingbirds)
• String or pipe cleaner for hanging
• Optional: Hummingbird nectar recipe (see below)
• A printable hummingbird coloring sheet and a “Thank You Nature” note

💡 Activity Instructions:

Part 1: Make a Gratitude Feeder

1. Decorate the cup with red flowers, hearts, or a note like: “Thanks, hummingbirds!”
2. Mix hummingbird nectar:
   • 1 part sugar to 4 parts water
   • Stir until dissolved. No dye needed!
3. Hang your feeder outside (near flowers if possible) and observe quietly. Will any flutter in?

Part 2: Hummingbird Gratitude Reflection

• Color a hummingbird and write or draw something small that brings joy (just like a hummingbird; tiny but mighty).
• Prompts:
  • “I’m thankful for something that sparkles…”
  • “I’m thankful for something that zips or zooms…”
  • “If I could fly anywhere for joy, I’d hover near…”

🌸 Bonus Facts to Share:

• Hummingbirds flap their wings up to 80 times per second!
• They love nectar from bright red and orange flowers.
• Some migrate over 2,000 miles; tiny travelers with big energy!
• They can recognize friendly garden spots and return year after year!

Books about hummingbirds and being thankful:

1. Tiny Bird: A Hummingbird's Amazing Journey by Robert Burleigh

2. Chiri the Hummingbird: by Jo Blake

3. Harry the Hummingbird: by Patricia Thorpe

4. About Hummingbirds: by Cathryn Sill

5. Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood

6. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

7. The Wonderful World of Hummingbirds by Mimi Jones

Parents, please ensure that all books are child-friendly before reading them to your child or children.

Return to the Alphabet Hub!