Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are able to fly across the Golf of Mexico, a distance of 500 miles, in one 20-hour non-stop flight. This requires more calories than the bird’s weight, so they prepare by doubling their fat mass. They expend the entire caloric reserve during the flight.

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Ruby-throated hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a species of hummingbird that generally spends the winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida, and migrates to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for the summer to breed. It is by far the most common hummingbird seen east of the Mississippi River in North America.

Description

Juvenile male ruby-throated hummingbird hovering

This hummingbird is from 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 in) long and has an 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 in) wingspan. Weight can range from 2 to 6 g (0.071 to 0.212 oz), with males averaging 3.4 g (0.12 oz) against the slightly larger female which averages 3.8 g (0.13 oz). Adults are metallic green above and grayish white below, with near-black wings…. Continue Reading (8 minute read)

8 thoughts on “Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are able to fly across the Golf of Mexico, a distance of 500 miles, in one 20-hour non-stop flight. This requires more calories than the bird’s weight, so they prepare by doubling their fat mass. They expend the entire caloric reserve during the flight.”

  1. WeedWingsSpicyThings

    Is their time on par with other birds who take the flight across the golf, or are humming birds the real birdies?

    Reply
  2. EngineCactus

    How do animals know to do this? It’s not like their moms can say “don’t forget to double your fat before migration, honey!”

    Reply
  3. StevenSanders90210

    Do they use a three wood or a driver?

    Reply
  5. Visitor_X

    Lazy ones just get fat anyway and go to southern Florida?

    Reply
  7. KidChimera

    That’s a big course. At 18 holes, you’re looking at ~27.77 miles each. Sounds like a par 10

    Reply
  8. TheNaughtyMonkey

    Its a short drive across the Golf of Mexico.

    I’ll show myself out.

    Reply

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