Species Profile
Bee Hummingbird
Mellisuga helenae
Quick Facts
Conservation
NTNear ThreatenedLifespan
7–10 years
Length
5–6.1 cm
Weight
1.6–2.6 g
Wingspan
3.2–4.3 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Zunzuncito, Helena Hummingbird, Bumblebee Hummingbird
Think you've spotted a Bee Hummingbird?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Bee Hummingbird is the world's smallest bird, measuring a mere 5-6.1 cm in length. Males in breeding plumage display brilliant iridescent plumage, with a fiery red-pink gorget, bluish upper parts, and a grey-white underside. Their tiny size and jewel-like colors make them truly distinctive.
Females are slightly larger but less colorful, and similar to non-breeding males, with a green back, pale grey underparts, and white-tipped tail feathers. Both sexes have a short, straight black bill and pink feet, perfectly adapted for their diminutive size.
While similar to the more common Cuban Emerald hummingbird, females can be distinguished by their smaller size, shorter tail, and whiter underparts.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Green
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Female Colors
- Primary
- Green
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Female Markings
Duller plumage, lacking the iridescent gorget of males
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Endemic to Cuba, Bee Hummingbirds inhabit dense forests, woodland edges, and gardens across the main island and the Isle of Youth. They show a preference for lowland areas but can be found up to 800 meters in elevation.
While most common in the Zapata Peninsula and mountainous regions of eastern Cuba, they may occasionally be spotted in suitable habitats throughout the country. Their distribution remains relatively stable year-round, as they are non-migratory.
While historically found across Cuba and the Isle of Youth, they are now primarily found in three main regions: the Guanahacabibes Peninsula in the west, the Zapata Swamp, and the eastern part of the island
Distribution
Diet
Bee Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from a variety of small flowers, particularly those of lianas, vines, and epiphytes. They supplement their diet with tiny insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins.
They feed on nectar from a variety of native Cuban plants, including hibiscus, aloe, and mangrove flowers. Interestingly, chicks will even catch tiny insects that come within reach of their nest.
Their long, extendable tongues allow them to reach nectar deep within flower corollas.
Behaviour
Bee Hummingbirds exhibit remarkable agility, capable of beating their wings up to 80 times per second during normal flight and up to 200 times per second during courtship displays.
They are solitary birds, fiercely defending their feeding territories from other hummingbirds. During courtship, males perform impressive aerial displays, flying up to 25 meters before diving at high speed.
Calls & Sounds
Bee Hummingbirds produce high-pitched, squeaky vocalizations that sound remarkably like insect buzzes. Their calls include a soft, repeated 'tsip-tsip-tsip' and a more intense 'tik-tik-tik' when agitated.
During courtship, males emit a distinctive buzzing sound, like a bumblebee, with their wings, giving them their name.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs mainly from March to June. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in U-shaped patterns to attract females. Once paired, the female takes sole responsibility for nesting and chick-rearing.
Nests are tiny cups about 3 cm wide, constructed from plant fibers, cobwebs, and lichen on thin twigs or leaves. Females typically lay two white eggs, each about the size of a coffee bean.
Incubation lasts 21-22 days, and chicks fledge after around 18 days. The wide ranges in incubation and fledging periods reflect the limited data available and potential environmental influences.
Conservation
The Bee Hummingbird is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring their native forest habitats in Cuba.
Climate change poses an additional threat, potentially affecting the timing and availability of nectar sources crucial for their survival.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for tiny, fast-moving birds near flowering plants
- Listen for their high-pitched, mouse-like squeaks
- Observe nectar feeders in gardens within their range
- Use binoculars to spot their distinctive iridescent plumage
- Visit Cuban nature reserves for the best chance of sightings
Did You Know?
- The Bee Hummingbird's brain is 2.5% of its body weight, the largest brain-to-body ratio of any bird.
- Their hearts can beat up to 1,260 times per minute during flight.
- They can visit up to 1,500 flowers in a single day.
- Despite their tiny size, they can fly at speeds of 25 to 30 mph.
- In captivity, they can live up to 10 years.
Records & Accolades
Smallest Bird
5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches) in length
Smallest living bird by length
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Bee Hummingbird
Upload a PhotoIdentify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species