Chordate Zoology - Textbook - I. V. Tsaryk - 2013

Chapter 5. SUPERCLASS TETRAPODS (TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATES) TETRAPODA, seu QUADRIPEDA.

ANAMNIOTS (ANAMNIA) AND AMNIOTES (AMNIOTA)

5.3. CLASS BIRDS AVES

5.3.3. Taxonomy and characteristics of representatives of the main orders of the class Aves

5.3.3.2. Superorder Typical, or Neognathous Birds Neognathae

5.3.3.2.24. Order Hummingbirds Trochiliformes

The family Hummingbirds Trochilidae comprises 320 (339) species of very small birds (with a mass starting from 1.6 g). Distributed in North and South America. The bill is thin and long, often curved; the muscular Tongue rolls into a tube when sucking nectar. The plumage of males is extremely bright with a metallic luster, whereas females and juveniles are dull-colored. Flight is rapid. While extracting insects from flowers or sipping nectar,

hummingbirds can hover in the air in one place for a long time (Fig. 5.45, 24). At night, as the Temperature drops, they enter a state of torpor. They do not form pairs. The female builds a small, deep nest, incubates a clutch of 1–2 eggs, and rears the nestlings alone. They act as important pollinators for certain plants.

According to modern Taxonomy, the order Trochiliformes is included at the family rank within the order Apodiformes.