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Day 1: Happy Birthday!

This baby grew inside its egg for 12-14 days before finally hatching. It is exhausted after working its way out of the egg. It weighs about 0.5 grams.

Q. Why do you think the eggshell looks so thin and papery compared to a chicken egg? (Answer under photo.)


Photo: Dorothy Edgington

A. Hummingbird nestlings don't have an "egg tooth" to help them break out of their shell. Luckily the shell is so easy to open!