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Belize and its Amazing Hummingbirds

Posted by Jamie Cain on Aug 27, 2019 1:52:06 AM
Jamie Cain
 

The country of Belize is both a full time and part time home to about 26 species of hummingbirds. In fact, many of those you'll see here migrate from North America during the cold winter months. For those who engage in bird watching, this incredible bird is one of the most popular and all its species are such a sight.

Hummingbirds are very interesting to say the least. They float like little fairies from flower to flower and are highly intelligent in many ways. For example, this tiny bird can remember each and every flower they fly to for a tiny visit. Moreover, they are also supreme pollinators. They can even detect ultraviolet patterns in flowers, which pinpoint the exact location of pollen and nectar inside the blossom.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Courtesy of Audobon Field GuideRuby-throated Hummingbird - Courtesy of Audobon Field Guide

The Courtship Process

Hummingbirds act out a fantastic courtship process. Many, but not all male hummingbirds, will form a “lek” to attract females. Leks are basically groups of males, sometimes up to 100, that assemble together in order to attract and find a mate. And wow, what a show they put on for the females!

Performing solo acts or as an ensemble, they literally razzle and dazzle the females with their high pitched singing, dancing, parading their brilliant feathers, and showing their little guy swagger. Once the male hummingbird satisfactorily draws a female’s attention, he continues on with his performance by accomplishing an incredible aerial move known as the “courtship dive”. 

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Courtesy of Neotropical Birds OnlineRufous-tailed Hummingbird - Courtesy of Neotropical Birds Online

A courtship dive is an extreme aerial display the male performs by flying high up in the air, approx 50-60 ft up, then turning and taking a nose dive straight toward the female.  Once he is inches away from her, he turns and flies back up and repeats this dive until the female decides that he is a worthy mate. Females are quite selective when it comes to choosing a mate, so if she is persuaded; this mating ritual is considered a success.

Hummingbirds Don’t Mate in Midair

But they don’t mate in the air. The female will fly to a branch and perch and wait for the male to consummate their brief 4-second relationship. After that, the male makes his way in search of another female to court and mate with, whereas the female makes her way to build her nest.  In Belize, there isn’t an actual hummingbird-breeding season per se. 

Violet Sabrewing HummingbirdViolet Sabrewing Hummingbird

Breeding takes place throughout the year and especially during the time when there’s an abundance of flowers in bloom. Research shows that leks are formed just before sunrise, so you’ll need to be an early bird yourself to catch the show.

Hummingbird Habitats

The different species of hummingbird in Belize have varied habitats, such as broadleaf forest edge and canopies, clearings, cultivated areas, towns and villages.

So, if hummingbirds are on your radar, be sure to make Belize your next bird watching destination. And remember, Belize has an early bird special of its own. 

For other amazing creatures to admire in Belize, be sure to check out our blog “5 Must See Animals in Belize and Where to Find Them”.

Courtship_between _Two_Rufous_Tailed_Hummingbirds

We hope you found this article interesting. If you’d like to receive more great stories, sign up for our Newsletter, and you’ll be emailed once per month with informative articles written by our team to keep you informed about all things Belize.



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When planning your stay in Belize, we can help you book exciting excursions such as snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley, Cave Tubing on the mainland, or flying over the Blue Hole.  


Our knowledgeable team will assist you with any tour you would like to take while visiting Belize, so that you can just relax and enjoy the adventure. CONTACT US TODAY.

 

ECI Development delivers affordable luxury residence and resort communities in Central America, providing our clients with various premier lifestyle options from the Caribbean to the Pacific. ECI delivers inspired residences for adventurous souls.

Coupled with over 20 years of inherent corporate social responsibility in the communities where we work, ECI Development is building a sustainable business that is going to be around for the next 100+ years.

 

Topics: Things to Do in Belize, Belize, General Info About Belize, Central America, Tourism in Belize, Natural Attractions in Belize

Jamie Cain

Written by Jamie Cain

Jamie Cain is a native Texan. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, and after graduating college, she began a career in modeling. “This was an incredible experience, as I had the opportunity to work and live in many amazing countries and experience all the different cultures.” After, she started a career in real estate in Dallas. Fast forward to 2017, she had the wonderful opportunity to join ECI Development as a Property Advisor for Nicaragua and Belize. Presently, Jamie lives on the East Coast with her husband and two white cats. She enjoys yoga, blogging, photography, and cooking.