Hummingbird

At the Guadeloupe Zoo, visitors can observe three species of hummingbirds, all free in the park:

• The Antillean crested hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus)
• The Purple-thoated hummingbird (Eulampis jugularis)
• The green-throated hummingbird (Eulampis holosericeus)

These tiny birds are not in captivity. They live in the tropical forest that surrounds the trails. At the zoo, they are often seen in Heliconia and the flowers of Malaysian queens.

The hummingbird is one of the most recognizable birds in the Antilles. Its hover, its ultra-fast wing beats and its metallic colors give it an almost unreal look. Males generally wear brighter hues, while females sport more subdued colors.

Depending on the species, the IUCN status varies between Least Concern (LC) and Near Threatened (NT). Their balance depends on the conservation of flowering areas and the availability of nectar.

The hummingbird feeds on nectar, which it collects thanks to its long beak and its stretchy tongue. It sometimes supplements its diet with small insects, especially to feed the young. It is an excellent pollinator: it carries pollen from flower to flower and contributes to the maintenance of many tropical plants.

Their flight is impressive. Some flap their wings more than 60 times per second and can fly backwards. Their heart beats very fast, which explains their constant need for energy.