Vervain Hummingbird
Mellisuga minima
The Vervain Hummingbird (Mellisuga minima) is a rare hummingbird found in 4 countries, weighing about 2 g. The vervain hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds".
About the Vervain Hummingbird
The vervain hummingbird is a species of hummingbird in tribe Mellisugini of subfamily Trochilinae, the "bee hummingbirds". It is found on Hispaniola and Jamaica.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The vervain hummingbird is perhaps the second-smallest bird in the world after the smallest, the bee hummingbird, though some other tiny ones are close to it in size. It is about 6 cm (2.4 in) long, including the 1 cm (0.39 in) bill, and weighs about 2 to 2.4 g (0.071 to 0.085 oz). The sexes are nearly alike but for their tails and the subspecies have only subtle plumage differences. All have a short, straight, dull black bill. Males are unique among hummingbirds by not having any iridescent feathering. Voice: Male vervain hummingbirds are highly vocal. The sing during most of the day from exposed perches in their territory and also during the courtship display and during encounters with other males. The song is complex, a mix of syllables some of which may be repeated during a song bout.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Puerto Rico.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, October, November, December, with peak activity in February. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Vervain Hummingbird?
- The vervain hummingbird is perhaps the second-smallest bird in the world after the smallest, the bee hummingbird, though some other tiny ones are close to it in size. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Vervain Hummingbird?
- The Vervain Hummingbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 2 g.
- Where can you see a Vervain Hummingbird?
- The Vervain Hummingbird occurs in 4 countries, including the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Haiti.
- What birds look similar to a Vervain Hummingbird?
- The Vervain Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Bee Hummingbird.
- Is the Vervain Hummingbird endangered?
- The Vervain Hummingbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Vervain Hummingbird for real
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