Product Description

There is a sense of mystery that surrounds hummingbirds: Why are they so small? What makes it possible for them to hover? Why are they so colorful? Do they ever rest? This book gives the often amazing answers. The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds takes the reader into the high-energy world of North America's smallest bird. Hearts that beat 500 to more than 1200 times per minute. Wings that buzz at as much as 52 beats per second. And respiration that can clock in at up to 600 breaths per minute. But their energetic lifestyle is only one facet of the secret lives of hummingbirds. Illustrated with twenty-nine full-color photographs, The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds is a treat for birders, naturalists, or anyone else who can't resist the allure of these eye-catching, pugnacious miniature birds. The book also includes a close-up look at the Desert Museum's famous hummingbird aviary as well as tips on how to enjoy and attract wild hummingbirds. It's no wonder that The Secret Lives of Hummingbirds is our most popular publication!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #300708 in Books
• Published on: 1995-04-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 22 pages

Review
"Even a professional ornithologist would enjoy this booklet. A surprisingly large range of topics are covered in the book, including (to list but a few) anatomy, breeding, coevolution of hummingbirds and flowers, migrathion, and how to attract the birds." --South Dakota Bird Notes (South Dakota Ornithologist's Union)

From the Publisher
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was uniquely qualified to produce a book on this topic as we operate a world-renowned hummingbird aviary. Many previously unobserved hummingbird behaviors were first noted by staff, scientists and amateur ornithologists spending time in our aviary. This information, plus many other fascinating details about these exquisite little animals, are included in this fun-to-read booklet.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Being a hummingbird is like driving a car with a one-gallon gas tank: there is an almost constant need to refuel. Hummingbirds are often perilously close to the limits of their energy reserves. On cold nights, when the costs of keeping warm are especially high, it may be too risky for a hummingbird even to keep its engine idling.