Did you know that a flock of hummingbirds is referred to as a tune, a glittering, a bouquet, a hover, or a shimmer?
Yes! I think “tune” fits well since hummingbirds hum (no pun intended).
These beautiful little birds are called hummingbirds because their wings beat so fast that they create a humming sound. Aside from their chirping, most of the sounds you hear from them come from their feathers and tails.
Did you know that not all hummingbirds can sing?
Yes! So don’t feel bad if you can’t sing. You can make music in other ways—by playing a musical instrument, beatboxing, whistling, snapping your fingers, clapping, or even making that funny armpit sound.
Music is the language of the soul, and it offers so many benefits, such as:
• Lifting your mood
• Stimulating memory
• Reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones
• Distracting you from pain
So when you’re feeling down, make some music. Sing or hum, and let your soul dance.
Did you know that a hummingbird consumes 6,600 to 12,000 calories a day?
Yes! And that’s according to Nancy Eilertsen, director of the East Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation League in Arizona. Some sources even estimate higher numbers, up to 24,000 calories, depending on the hummingbird’s size.
Come to think of it, they can consume as much sugar as their entire body weight because they burn so much energy while flying.
Hummingbirds flap their wings about 50 to 90 times per second—and during courtship, up to 200 times per second!
That’s why they need to feed on nectar almost every 10 minutes.
Hummingbirds also have a special tongue that curls at the edges to help them hold nectar.
What I’ve learned from their love for sweets is this: Just like nectar nourishes a hummingbird, kind words—spoken from the heart—can nourish the body and soul. They bring happiness not only to ourselves but also to those around us.
Poem by Salvacion Roselle Reyes
References:
• “Why Does a Hummingbird Hum?” by Nancy Eilertsen at li.niu.edu
• “9 Health Benefits of Music” – Northshore.org
• Photo credit: Adobe Creative Cloud Express
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