15 Strange And Beautiful Hummingbird Species

There are about 338 different species of hummingbirds - an amazing family of birds found only in the New World. Their ability to hover for extended periods of time and even fly backwards makes them unique in the bird world. What they lack in size, they make up for with energy; the pinnacle of this being the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds incredible ability to flap up to 200 times per second during courtship displays.

Red-tailed Comet: The Sappho sparganura (scientific name) or red-tailed comet is found not only in woodlands, but also around human habitation in the Central Andes of Argentina and Bolivia. 8.6 inches in length, this bird is easily identifiable because of its tail. It has a long, metallic golden-red tail. The head and wing plumage is moss green, while the upper body is red. Its diet is comprised mainly of nectar taken from brightly coloured and scented flowers. Sometimes they are known to eat insects and spiders. An average clutch-size has 2 eggs which are laid in a nest made by the female alone. Even incubation is carried out by only the female, while the male defends its territory. Its IUCN listing is the LEAST CONCERN.