White Eared Hummingbird

Wildlife, Mixed Media

These Little feathered jewels are the smallest of all birds. Looked on with amazement by early explorers and settlers to this land, they are still the most popular of all birds with birders and non-birders alike. For their size they are the biggest hearted birds in the world. A heart that beats about 500 times a minute while resting and up to 1,200 times a minute in full flight. Their names mirror the gemlike splendor of their glistening plumage. The glittering, iridescent colors, are produced by reflection of light rather than pigmented colors as in other birds. The average size of the White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis) species is 3-1/2 inches. The bird painted here is an immature male White-eared Hummingbird. The mature colors are violet and Emerald green with a bright red bill. It Ranges from Southeastern Arizona to Central America.