Contributed by Hummingbird Expert Lanny Chambers

 

  • habitat and range 

  • niche 

  • food 

  • enemies 

  • adaptations 

  • migration 

  • populations 

  • distribution 

  • ecosystems

 

Contributed by Hummingbird Expert Lanny Chambers

  • longevity 
  • birth and growth 
  • heredity 
  • parenting behavior 
  • reproduction and care of young

 

Q. What is a hummingbird nest like?
A. It is not much bigger than a ping-pong ball, a bottle cap, or a walnut shell. The female makes the nest with tiny bits of leafy material including little lichens, and weaves it together with spider silk. She builds the nest on a branch in a tree. A hummer will not use a birdhouse.

Contributed by Hummingbird Expert Lanny Chambers

  • size 
  • weight 
  • body systems 
  • physiology 
  • senses 
  • communication 
  • other physical characteristics

 

Q. How big are hummingbirds?
A. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are 3 - 3.75 inches long with a wingspan of 4 - 4.75 inches. Rufous hummingbirds are 3.5 - 4 inches long with a wingspan of 4.25 inches.

Contributed by Dr. Karen Oberhauser

Includes

  • food
  • habitat and range
  • niche
  • enemies
  • adaptations
  • migration
  • populations
  • distribution
  • ecosystems

Food

Q. What do monarch butterflies eat?

A. Adult butterflies eat nectar and water. Sometimes liquid from fruits. Larvae eat only milkweed.

Contributed by Dr. Karen Oberhauser

Includes

  • size
  • weight
  • body systems
  • senses
  • communication
  • physiology
  • other characteristics

Q. How big is the monarch butterfly?

A. Monarchs have bodies that are about 10 cm wide (including their wings).

Q. How much does a monarch butterfly weigh?

A. Monarchs weigh, on average, about half a gram. This can vary from about .27 grams (a very small monarch!) to about .75 grams (a very big monarch!)

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