Species · GBIF taxon 5228500
Bee Hummingbird
Mellisuga helenaeAlso known as Zunzuncito, Helena Hummingbird
Bee hummingbirds are the smallest living birds on Earth, weighing less than a penny and hovering with wings that beat up to 80 times per second. Males sport a brilliant, iridescent pinkish-red gorget and head plumage that flares during courtship displays, while females are slightly larger with bluish-green upperparts. These tiny aviators play a vital role in Cuban ecosystems by pollinating specialized tubular flowers as they forage for nectar and small insects.
TinyHoveringEndemic
Licensed reference(c) amantedarmanin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Gnats
- Spiders
Predators
- Praying mantises
- Orb-weaver spiders
- Frogs
ThreatsHabitat loss from agriculture, deforestation, and severe hurricanes
HabitatsCoastal forests, mature gardens, shrublands, and woodland edges
Life span5 to 7 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTrochilidae
- SpeciesMellisuga helenae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a bird the size of a large insect hovering near flowers, with males showing a bright pink-red throat.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from a distance of at least five meters, especially near delicate nesting sites.
Responsible observation
- Listen closely: Listen for their high-pitched, insect-like buzzing wings and faint chirping calls.
- Scan flowers: Look for them hovering around tubular blossoms, especially in sunny forest edges.
- Keep distance: Avoid approaching active nests, which are tiny cups made of cobwebs and lichen.
Sympatric Competitor Close Relative 
Migrant Relative jeffreyw / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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