Discover

Today
Animals
Explore
Archive
Search

Use it

Classroom
Resources
Field lab
Quiz
Saved

Trust

Methodology
Sources
Corrections
Accessibility
Contributors

Details

About
Contact
Privacy
Terms
Newsletter

Animal profile

Bee Hummingbird

Mellisuga helenae

AvesForest edges, swamp woodland and gardens across CubaNear Threatened

Field profile

The bee hummingbird is the smallest living bird, endemic to Cuba. Females are slightly larger than males, and breeding males show an iridescent pinkish-red head and throat. It feeds mainly on nectar from a modest set of native flowering plants, supplemented by small insects.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-08-12

Bee Hummingbird

The smallest bird weighs less than a coin

An adult bee hummingbird weighs roughly two grams and measures about six centimetres from bill tip to tail. Its eggs are around the size of a coffee bean, and the whole nest fits comfortably inside a bottle cap.

Read with evidence →

Bee Hummingbird | Daily Animal Facts