The Best Book On Hummingbirds; 5 Favorites You Have To Read

Last Updated on May 4, 2022 by Guillermina

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No wonder hummingbirds are considered the most beautiful and delicate species in the world. Is there a person who is not happy to see these stunning little creatures? We don’t think so.

Although they are among the most beloved birds, identifying them can be quite a challenge. Because they are small and restless, it can be difficult to distinguish which species they belong to. That’s why authors around the world have embarked on writing a variety of books and guides that bring everything you need to know about size, shape, color patterns, behavior, geographic location, time of year, and bird habitat.

Stay with us and learn all about the best book on hummingbirds.

The Hummingbird Handbook: Everything You Need to Know About These Fascinating Birds

“Captures the spirit and allure of these captivating birds in every fascinating fact, historical tidbit, amusing anecdote, species profile, and plant pick.” —Birds & Blooms

The lifelong birder John Shewey, in this guide, provides an insight into everything you need to know about these beautiful little creatures. The Hummingbird Handbook is full of facts, practical advice, and important environmental information, i.e. all aspects important for attracting, understanding, and protecting hummingbirds. By reading this guide you have the opportunity to learn how to spot them in the wild, numerous tips on feeders to planting as well as various landscaping techniques.

My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird (A Nature Diary)

This interesting children’s book was written in a rather unusual way, namely, it was written as a nature diary of a year in the life of a ruby-throated hummingbird. Accordingly, if you are looking for the best book on hummingbirds you will not go wrong with choosing My Tiny Life by Ruby T. Hummingbird.

The “Nature Diary” series offers well-organized, flowing text and pleasant illustrations in which you can find everything you might be interested in, from descriptions of physical features, and nesting, to mating rituals, and more. The main protagonist of the story describes his life, emerging from his little white egg, the process of flying, catching bugs as well as migrating to warmer regions. Because it is written in the first person, the book is suitable for all age groups and is therefore accessible even to early readers.

The Hummingbirds’ Gift: Wonder, Beauty, And Renewal On Wings

This book, penned by naturalist Sy Montgomery tells the story of Brenda Sherburn, a hummingbird rehabilitator, and two orphan baby Allen’s hummingbirds she rescued. This handbook provides general information related to these beautiful birds, so for example hummingbird rehabilitators talk about differences in species, body mechanics, habitat range, food sources, migration patterns, and relevant mythology.

One of the things that makes it the best book on hummingbirds is the fact that the protagonists Sherburn and Montgomery decided to break the unwritten rule of naming birds in the rehabilitation process, by naming them Maya and Zuni.

This beautifully written and inspiring book full of colorful photos will warm your hearts and eventually turn you into an armchair ornithologist.

Stokes Beginner’s Guide To Hummingbirds

No wonder it is considered the best book on hummingbirds because it is ideal for anyone who is just learning about hummingbirds in their backyard. This pocket-size, dazzlingly colorful, easy-to-use guide to hummingbirds covers common species, feeding tips, as well as all the other basic information you need to get started.

It is important to emphasize that it is intended for beginner nature lovers belonging to all age groups. This portable pocket-size format guide offers a wealth of identification and behavior information and comes with a variety of illustrations and the well-known Stokes’ easy-to-use color-tab system.

A Field Guide To Hummingbirds Of North America

A field guide to hummingbirds of North America is truly the best book on hummingbirds. Its importance lies in the fact that it points to specific ID markers that help identify hummingbirds in the field, even in cases where you don’t have a detailed look.

Furthermore, we must mention that this very comprehensive field guide provides insight into 31 North American species and covers the natural history of hummingbirds, ways to attract and feed them, and major spots both in the United States and Canada for observing these stunning little birds.

In Conclusion

Hummingbirds are adorable and fascinating living beings, right? Aside from the charming look, what attracts people the most is their humming sound, especially when you have a lot of them nearby. Lastly, remember that hummingbirds are friendly to you only if you are friendly to them!

Each of these books is our personal favorite, and we believe you will not go wrong if you choose one of them.

Which one do you think is the best book on hummingbirds? Write us your answers in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

 What are 5 interesting facts about hummingbirds?

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FAQs

What Are 5 Interesting Facts About Hummingbirds?

These are the most interesting things about hummingbirds.

They are coming back

If you have ever suspected that the same hummingbirds return to your feeders year after year, you are probably right. Numerous studies have been conducted claiming that they tend to return to the same places where they hatched.

Their Home Is Small But Cozy

Did you know that their nest is about the size of a half-dollar coin? When the mother lays eggs inside that tiny structure, they look like mini white jelly beans.

Fast, Fast & a Little faster

Hummingbirds do everything fast. This is most easily seen in their breathing, as during the resting phase the average 4-inch hummingbird takes about 150 breaths per minute.

They Can Sing

Did you know that some types of hummingbirds such as male Anna’s and Costa’s are regular singers?

Independent Travel

Hummingbirds are solitary migrants; that is why you will never see them flying in a flock.

What Is Special About Hummingbirds?

There are many things that make hummingbirds special, but one of them certainly stands out. Namely, they are adorned with their unique wings. These wings make them special because they are the only birds in the world that can fly backward, and besides, they are the only ones that can hover for such long periods of time because of their ability to move their wings in a so-called figure-of-eight pattern.