[va-bird] rufous hummingbirds?

Hello,

Someone may have already responded, but in case others have the same ques=
tion: although we are accustomed to seeing hummingbirds taking nectar fro=
m flowers in the warm months, in fact, estimates are that up to 60% of th=
eir diet consists of small arthropods/insects (source: Hummer/Bird Study =
Group).  When flowers are unavailable, they continue to eat insects (whic=
h are surprisingly prevalent, even in extreme cold); there are also repor=
ts of them visiting sap flows (either to drink the sap or to catch the in=
sects attracted to it).  Additionally, I have noticed that in winter, the=
y will visit flowers like pansies they wouldn't normally bother with when=
 nectar sources are abundant:.  They also go into torpor at night and low=
er their body temperatures by 30 degrees F, preserving precious energy.  =
It seems to go against all logic that such high-energy birds can survive =
harsh winter conditions, but the Rufous in particular seems to do so quit=
e readily!  Good web sites for more info:

the Hummer/Bird Study Group:  http://www.hummingbirdsplus.org/index.html

Operation Ruby Throat: The Hummingbird Project:  http://www.rubythroat.or=
g/

The Trochilids Website on Winter Hummingbirds:  http://www.trochilids.com=
/

Hummingbirds.net:  http://www.hummingbirds.net/



--Laura Farron
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