About
Hummingbirds
While they are tiny beings, hummingbirds pack a lot of powerful, positive energy. It’s no wonder they are loved by people all over the world.
Hummingbirds are small, colourful birds known for their remarkable ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings. They are among the smallest bird species and are often characterized by their iridescent feathers. The vibrant colours of hummingbirds come from the microscopic platelets in their feathers that refract light, creating iridescence rather than pigments.
Because of their bright colours and the way they speed from flower to flower, hummingbirds are symbols of vibrancy and variety. If the hummingbird didn’t visit multiple blossoms, it would limit their ability to pollinate more flowers, thus hindering growth.
A lovely reminder to get “unstuck” if you’re in a situation where you feel you’re not growing or you don’t have the answers you seek. The hummingbird says, “Do something different. Variety is the spice of life!”
Hummingbirds are exceptional fliers, capable of rapid and agile manoeuvres. They can hover, fly backward, and even upside down. Their wings beat incredibly fast, ranging from around 50 to 80 beats per second. Even in extremely windy conditions, they can stabilize themselves in midair while feeding. Essentially, they are able to adjust in challenging circumstances to achieve their goals.
Life is not about waiting for the perfect conditions. Instead of focusing on resisting challenges, consider how you can handle them with grace and agility. By doing so, you increase the odds that you will achieve your goals.
Some species of hummingbirds have hearts that beat over 1,200 times per minute. And they inhale and exhale as much as 250 breaths per minute! The rate at which a hummingbird beats its wings is the same during directional and hovering flight however, it varies with the size of the bird from about 80 per second for the smallest to about 10 per second for the largest hummingbird. Needless to say, this is a very speedy little bird.
Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, using their specialized long bills and extendable, tube-like tongues. They also consume small insects and spiders for protein. They have one of the highest metabolisms among birds. To sustain their energy levels, they need to feed multiple times per hour, consuming a significant portion of their body weight in nectar daily.
In addition to being fast, the hummingbird is an important part of the ecosystem in which they live. Alongside the bee and the butterfly, the hummingbird serves a vital role in extending the life force of flowers by helping them to pollinate.
So, you may feel small or insignificant at times, however, one person can have a big impact and possess the internal strength of a warrior. Whatever your dreams are, even if they seem small by other people’s standards, use your positive energy to achieve your aims. When you are committed to a dream, providence moves quickly to make it happen.
As quick and busy as they are, the hummingbird also has to rest. Female hummingbirds typically build small cup-shaped nests using plant fibres, down, and spider silk. They lay one to three eggs, and the mother is solely responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. When food isn’t available, a hummingbird can slow their metabolisms and enter a hibernating, deep-sleep state, which is called torpor.
You may be a high-energy person who thrives on going, going, going. The hummingbird reminds you to give yourself some down time. Rest and relaxation are essential for being healthy – mentally, emotionally, and physically. Take the time to recharge so you can continue to give to others and be primed to accomplish your dreams.
As a symbol for healing, the hummingbird can be a sign to think about what you are seeking for stimulation and nourishment. This could relate not just to food but also substances, material things, or relationships. In other words, where are you looking for energy? Is it a truly symbiotic, balanced, and mutually healthy relationship? If not, be like a hummingbird and quickly move on.
Balance, harmony, and reciprocity do exist. You just have to be willing to leave the situations that are unhealthy to find the ones that will nourish you.
A beloved bird to many, the hummingbird is also a symbol of good luck. These nectar-drinking beauties are reminders to live la dolce vita – the sweet life. Life can be hard on the Earthly plane, yet the hummingbird, with their vibrant, humming presence, reminds us to focus on the joys in life. When we live in a joyful state, we put out a vibration for positive things and good luck to come to us.
Step outside of your thoughts and notice the wonders all around you. Pursue your dreams and enjoy life!
