The Hummingbird Thread / Hummingbird Film

[nenella]

Thanks!
I try & learn something everyday..

[Swamper]

The Jade vine is a beauty though. Magnificent. Maybe one day I'll grow one anyway. I believe it is fragrant as well.

[Tindomul]

Ooh that plant was really impressive. It might not be good for most hummers because if it is good for sunbirds then it must mean the pollinator will require a curved beak. I don't know how many hummers have curved beaks.

No, no, no we will need another thread for sunbirds if we get into that! Another gorgeous group!
Toucan --- Hornbills
Hummingbirds --- Sunbirds
New World vultures --- Old World Vultures
etc... --- etc...

[Connie Star]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Ooh that plant was really impressive. It might not be good for most hummers because if it is good for sunbirds then it must mean the pollinator will require a curved beak. I don't know how many hummers have curved beaks.

No, no, no we will need another thread for sunbirds if we get into that! Another gorgeous group!
Toucan --- Hornbills
Hummingbirds --- Sunbirds
New World vultures --- Old World Vultures
etc... --- etc...

There are hummingbirds in central america called sicklebills that have curved beaks- but lets not introduce any exotic plants.
I had never heard of sunbirds before- seems like they are the old world/African version of hummers. What's not to like?

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by Connie Star

I had never heard of sunbirds before- seems like they are the old world/African version of hummers. What's not to like?

Sunbirds are normally considered as the old world equivalent of hummingbirds, however, looking at the im details they are more the equivalent of the honeycreepers and bananaquits. Of course with important differences. Among others:

hummingbirds feed mostly while flying, and mainly flower nectar but also insects. None ofthem pierce the flowers to reach the nectar.

sunbirds feed while resting on the flowers/branches. Mainly nectar, but also insects and fruits. Many of them pierce the flowers to reach the nectar.

honeycreeper and banaquits feed while resting on the flowers/branches. Nectar, fruits and insects. Most of them pierce the flowers to reach the nectar.


bananaqui in the front, honeycreeper on the background: Purple Honeycreeper

[nenella]

Ramon thanks for the info ...
I am VERY sure that the birds I have seen feeding on the Jade Vine feed only whilst 'hovering' over the flower .. so..I don't know ?
it needs someone who sees them frequently to identify.? I have asked my mum but she didn't manage to open the links yet & see the different photos.. I'm trying to get her to use the net apart from e mails !


PS: what's an im ? " 'im details" .. I really don't know anything about birds?.. & I've only ever
had a hen and budgies as pets..

(I suddenly feel like there's a need for a nectar feeding bird forum )

[Tindomul]

Trust Ramon, there are no hummingbirds in the old world. Unless they have escaped, in which case they would not be migrating.

Here are two pictures of sunbirds I managed to take in Ethiopia this past summer.

[Connie Star]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

Sunbirds are normally considered as the old world equivalent of hummingbirds, however, looking at the im details they are more the equivalent of the honeycreepers and bananaquits. Of course with important differences. Among others:

hummingbirds feed mostly while flying, and mainly flower nectar but also insects. None ofthem pierce the flowers to reach the nectar.

sunbirds feed while resting on the flowers/branches. Mainly nectar, but also insects and fruits. Many of them pierce the flowers to reach the nectar.

honeycreeper and banaquits feed while resting on the flowers/branches. Nectar, fruits and insects. Most of them pierce the flowers to reach the nectar.


bananaqui in the front, honeycreeper on the background: Purple Honeycreeper

So Tindo, next time you go to Ethiopia, would you take me with you?

[Tindomul]

Sounds good to me Connie. I should have been able to get better sunbird pics. In the capital around the Addis Ababa Sheraton Hotel (5 star by the way, which I visited on a daily basis but did not stay at) I would see these shiny steel blue sunbirds feeding on the gardens. I never took my camera which was a mistake.
I do recommend Ethiopia if you like birds and plants and mammals.

[WhiteRabbit]

Just want to add that hummers WILL perch while feeding if it's available. I only get feeders with perches now lol. Right now I have feeders that stick to the windows with suction cups. It's awesome! Get to see them very close up!