Fun Amethyst-throated Hummingbird Facts For Kids

Iram Ashfaq
Nov 15, 2022 By Iram Ashfaq
Originally Published on Aug 06, 2021
Edited by Luca Demetriou
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Amethyst-throated hummingbird facts you can tell your kids

The amethyst-throated hummingbird is a gorgeous and distinctive species of hummingbird. It's one of the smallest birds in North America, so they're easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. You'll find out why it's called an amethyst-throated hummingbird, how its diet compares to other species, and some interesting facts that may surprise you!

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus is a small bird that has the ability to hover and fly backward.

It can also change its direction in flight at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph).

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus is the most common type of hummingbird found in North America, which typically migrate from Mexico or Central American region during the winter months as it's their only chance for survival with so few flowers blooming at this time.

They will feed on nectar, insects, tree sap, rotting fruit, and sometimes even blood!

These small birds have an average lifespan of about four years but some lucky ones may live longer than 10 years. They are known for their distinctive call and beautiful plumage, which includes iridescent green feathers on its throat.

These birds feed primarily on nectar from flowers, but will occasionally eat insects or drink tree sap.

Their beak is specially adapted for feeding on small insects, nectar, and pollen from flowers.

The diet of these birds consists mainly of sugar-water; however, they also eat spiders and insects that come with it. Hummingbirds also go through an annual migration process where they fly south during the winter months to escape freezing temperatures.

During this time period, their body slows down significantly due to lack of food sources because their natural habitat has not yet begun its spring life cycle again; so don't worry if you miss them during winter, they will be back soon!

For more relatable content, check out these bee hummingbird facts and rufous hummingbird facts for kids.

Amethyst-Throated Hummingbird Interesting Facts

What type of animal is an amethyst-throated hummingbird?

The amethyst-throated hummingbird is a striking bird that's notable for its size. It can be found in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras.

What class of animal does an amethyst-throated hummingbird belong to?

The amethyst-throated hummingbird is a member of the class Aves. They have long, slender bodies that fly in order to access flowers and insects for food sources. Their wings are tiny but powerful enough to carry them through air currents during their high-speed flights from flower to flower!

How many amethyst-throated hummingbirds are there in the world?

It is hard to know how many amethyst-throated hummingbirds are there in the world. They live a solitary life and only come together during mating season, so it's not like you can just count them all up!

Where does an amethyst-throated hummingbird live?

Amethyst-throated hummingbirds are found in many locations throughout the globe. They live near gardens, flower pots, and trees with flowers blooming year-round.

What is an amethyst-throated hummingbird's habitat?

The amethyst-throated hummingbird habitat includes the subtropical and tropical South American region from Mexico to Bolivia. These birds prefer lowland forests with clearings that are near rivers or lakes as well as areas that have bamboo thickets for nesting sites.

The population has been declining due to deforestation across its range but it remains one of the most common hummingbirds found throughout Central American area down through Argentina's Patagonia region and Mexico where they thrive on nectar containing flowers.

Who do amethyst-throated hummingbirds live with?

The amethyst-throated hummingbird is a small bird that lives in the tropical rainforests of South American and Mexico regions. The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus live with other birds, lizards, and bats on their native continent.

Amethyst-throated hummingbirds don't care much for their fellow birds or animals; these little guys actually prefer living among people. Amethysts will happily make homes out of abandoned buildings, old tires, clotheslines.

How long does an amethyst-throated hummingbird live?

Hummingbirds are one of our favorite birds to find when we are hiking around! They're always so beautiful with their shimmering colors and long tail like vibrant feathers flowing behind them while hovering over blossoms for just seconds at most before zipping off again looking for more food sources!

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus lives a span range of 3-5 years and they live mainly on nectar from flowers as well as small insects, such as ants or grass spiders.

How do they reproduce?

The amethyst-throated hummingbird is a small, colorful bird with the ability to produce up to three eggs at once.  The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus males may mate up to six times during a single nesting cycle, all while perching, but only about half these matings result in fertilization because each egg is enclosed by three layers!

What is their conservation status?

The amethyst-throated hummingbird is classified by conservation status as Least Concern because there appears little threat from any human activity around this species today!

Amethyst-Throated Hummingbird Fun Facts

What do amethyst-throated hummingbirds look like?

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus are tiny hummingbird.

Males have green feathers while females bear a light grey plumage and a cute tail. The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus also boast an iridescent purple throat patch for attracting mates or defending their territory by showing off its colors in the sunlight, it's one of the most beautiful sights these birds can offer!

When not displaying this attractive trickery they feed primarily on nectar taken up through long tube shaped tongues which extend beyond their bill tips due to modified salivary glands at either side where food is collected into reservoirs before being delivered back down towards the bird’s mouth using muscles within tongue tissue as pumps when needed.

The amethyst-throated hummingbird belongs to the family Trochilidae and the male has a peculiar breeding style.

How cute are they?

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus are very cute, colorful, and attractive. These small birds flit around a garden, hovering in front of flowers while they drink nectar. They are very colorful and have an amethyst-colored throat that is easy to spot from afar. The calliope hummingbird is equally adorable!

How do they communicate?

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus are surprisingly chatty birds. Hummingbirds speak volumes through their musical melodies; it is not uncommon for them to make sounds up into the range where humans cannot hear them due to how loud these little songsters can get at times.

They communicate with each other in the form of chirps and whistles, but they also use their throat to produce a variety of songs that can be louder than an orchestra's horn section!

How big is an amethyst-throated hummingbird?

If you are lucky enough to spot one of these throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus during your travels, they will be easy to identify due to their distinctive features. Not only do amethyst-throated hummingbirds have a beautiful purple color on the underside of their throat but also 3-5 in (10-12 cm) in length!

This bird feeds on nectar and can often been seen hovering at flowers while feeding.

How fast can an amethyst-throated hummingbird fly?

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus swainson species is one of the world's fastest fliers and can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph). How does the amethyst throated hummingbird achieve such speed? This little bird has an extremely fast wing beat, which are typically over 200 beats per second.

How much does an amethyst-throated hummingbird weigh?

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus species are among the smallest birds in North America. With a weight of only 0.008-0.01 lb (4-6 g), the amethyst throated hummingbird can be easily carried by a big insect, and this is why hummingbird feeders are so popular with gardeners; it's really just a matter of keeping hungry predators out!

What are the male and female names of the species?

The amethyst-throated mountain gem lampornis amethystinus is a species of a bird that resides in South America, Ecuador and Northern Peru. This bird has no different specific names for male or female birds; they are all called by one name, " amethyst hummingbirds."

What would you call a baby amethyst-throated hummingbird?

The baby of throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus species is known as a chick.

What do they eat?

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus species is asmall bird that eats a variety of food. Some favorite dishes include nectar from flowers, bugs and other insects, tree sap or fruit juice squeezed out by chewing on leaves. Mostly, the amethyst hummingbird gets eaten by a hawk!

Are they dangerous?

The amethyst-throated mountain gem lampornis amethystinus is a captive bird that does not harm humans in any way.

Would they make a good pet?

The throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus species are a great choice for pet owners. They can be trained with patience, and their ability to fly is fun!

Did you know...

Do you know where blue throated hummingbirds species live? They can be found in the Andean mountains of South America.

Different types of hummingbird

The different types of hummingbirds are Allen's, Anna's, broad-tailed, black chinned, calliope, Costa's, ruby-throated, rufous, blue throated, broad-billed, buff-bellied, Lucifer, Rivoli's, violet-crowned and white-eared.

How is it different from other hummingbirds?

There is one thing that sets throated hummingbird lampornis amethystinus apart from the rest: its voice! Unlike most humming birds which sing a high pitched chirp to defend territory or attract mates, this species of hummer has been described as sounding more like an insect!

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these mountain bluebird facts and black skimmer facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable amethyst-throated hummingbird coloring pages.

Amethyst-Throated Hummingbird Facts

What Did They Prey On?

Nectar from small shrubs, flowers, trees, insects, and plants

What Type of Animal were they?

Omnivore

Average Litter Size?

1-3

How Much Did They Weigh?

0.008-0.01 lb (4-6 g)

What habitat Do they Live In?

near flowers, plants, trees in mountains, and gardens

Where Do They Live?

north america

How Long Were They?

3-5 in (10-12 cm)

How Tall Were They?

N/A

Class

Aves

Genus

Lampornis

Family

Trochilidae

Scientific Name

Lampornis amethystinus

What Do They Look Like?

Purple, grey, green, and blue

Skin Type

Feathers

What Are Their Main Threats?

hawks

What is their Conservation Status?

Least Concern
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Written by Iram Ashfaq

Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Master of Public Health

Iram Ashfaq picture

Iram AshfaqBachelor of Dental Surgery, Master of Public Health

With a Bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery from Shaney Institute of Health Sciences and a Master's degree in Public Health from Imperial College London, Iram is a highly qualified and accomplished writer from Srinagar, India. Over the course of a year, she has acquired multiple writing certifications, focusing on health sciences and research studies. Prior to joining Kidadl, Iram gained valuable experience working as a content writer for Indian firms and interning at a New York-based company. Her expertise and passion for writing shine through in her ability to create compelling content across a variety of topics.

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