Quick Answer
Yes, there are a few species of birds that are smaller than hummingbirds. The bee hummingbird, found in Cuba, is the smallest known bird in the world with an average length of just 2 inches and weighing less than 2 grams. There are also other tiny hummingbirds that may be smaller than the average hummingbird species, such as the Calliope hummingbird and Lucifer hummingbird. Some species of kingfishers, like the African pygmy kingfisher, are also smaller than many hummingbirds. Overall, while hummingbirds are very small, there are a handful of bird species in the world that beat out even the smallest hummingbirds in terms of size.
Birds Smaller Than Hummingbirds
Here are some of the smallest birds in the world that are smaller than the average hummingbird species:
Bee Hummingbird
– Scientific name: Mellisuga helenae
– Length: 2 inches on average
– Weight: 1.6-1.9 grams
– Native habitat: Cuba
The bee hummingbird is the smallest known bird in the world and is smaller than even the smallest hummingbird species. These tiny birds reach a length of just 2 inches on average, roughly the size of a bee. They weigh only 1.6 to 1.9 grams. For perspective, a U.S penny weighs about 2.5 grams, so these birds are incredibly lightweight. The bee hummingbird is native only to the island of Cuba.
Calliope Hummingbird
– Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
– Length: 2.75-3.5 inches
– Weight: 2.3-3.4 grams
– Native habitat: Western North America
The Calliope hummingbird is a tiny species native to western North America. They are the smallest hummingbird species in the United States. Clocking in at just 2.75-3.5 inches in length and weighing 2.3-3.4 grams, they are smaller than many other hummingbirds. Their extremely small size allows them to survive cold temperatures when other larger hummingbird species migrate.
Lucifer Hummingbird
– Scientific name: Calothorax lucifer
– Length: 3-3.5 inches
– Weight: 2-3 grams
– Native habitat: Mexico and Central America
The Lucifer hummingbird, found in Mexico and Central America, is remarkably small even for a hummingbird. It reaches only 3-3.5 inches in length and weighs just 2-3 grams. Its tiny size allows it to live and feed in mountainous areas. The Lucifer hummingbird is one of the few hummingbirds that do not migrate.
African Pygmy Kingfisher
– Scientific name: Ispidina picta
– Length: 3.5 inches
– Weight: 5-7 grams
– Native habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa
The African pygmy kingfisher is a tiny kingfisher species native to sub-Saharan Africa. With a length of about 3.5 inches and weight of 5-7 grams, they are dwarfed in size compared to other kingfishers and are smaller than many hummingbird species. Their small size allows them to maneuver through dense forests.
Why Are Some Birds So Small?
There are a few key evolutionary factors that allow some birds to be incredibly tiny:
– **Thermoregulation** – Smaller bodies make it easier to conserve heat in cold climates. The Calliope hummingbird can survive freezing temperatures that drive out larger hummingbirds.
– **Maneuverability** – A very small body and wingspan allows certain birds to navigate dense forests and tiny crevices. The bee hummingbird and African pygmy kingfisher have adapted to dense habitats.
– **Specialized feeding** – A long, slender beak perfect for accessing nectar in certain flowers has allowed hummingbirds to become very specialized feeders. This in turn allows them to thrive at a small size.
– **Predator avoidance** – Their tiny size makes these birds more difficult targets for potential predators.
– **Territory** – Smaller birds require less territory allowing some species to thrive on isolated islands or mountainous terrain.
– **Climate adaptations** – Some small birds can withstand wider temperature fluctuations or survive in arid climates.
How Do Hummingbirds Compare in Size?
To understand how tiny the world’s smallest birds are, it helps to look at average hummingbird sizes for comparison:
Hummingbird Species | Length (inches) | Weight (grams) |
---|---|---|
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 3-4 | 3-6 |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | 3.5-4 | 3-4 |
Anna’s Hummingbird | 3.9-4.3 | 4-6 |
Rufous Hummingbird | 3.1-3.5 | 3-3.4 |
Bee Hummingbird | 2 | 1.6-1.9 |
As you can see, even a small hummingbird like the Rufous is nearly twice the length and over 1.5 times the weight of the bee hummingbird. The bee hummingbird weighs about as much as a penny! Understanding average hummingbird sizes gives perspective on just how tiny the world’s smallest birds are.
Conclusion
While hummingbirds are small, a few bird species manage to beat them out for the title of world’s smallest bird. The bee hummingbird found only in Cuba measures just 2 inches long and weighs 1.6-1.9 grams, far smaller than your average hummingbird. Other tiny birds include the Calliope hummingbird, Lucifer hummingbird, and African pygmy kingfisher. Evolution has allowed these birds to thrive at a remarkably small size in order to regulate body heat, maneuver through dense habitats, access specialized food sources, and avoid predators. The next time you see a hummingbird at your feeder, remember that an even smaller bird is buzzing around the forests of Cuba!