Humingbirds are usually considered as a specific tropical bird family. And for most parts, this notion is accurate – out of 363 species of Humingbirds, vast majority in tropical environment. But some species live in such extreme houses that some people will expect to find small, delicate hummingbirds there. For example, Ecuadorian Hillstar, above the sea level, is at an altitude of 4,000 to 5,000 meters (13,100 to 16,400 ft) – height from heights that are really breathtaking.
This spatial ecwadorian species lives above the tree line in a high -height grassland ecosystem which is known as a parameo. On the upper range of its border, it reaches a permanent ice line at about 5,200 meters (17,000 ft). It helps to live almost directly at the equator, but life at such extreme height still presents many challenges for this small, warm-waters. The most pressure of these pressure low oxygen levels, limited food availability and cold – especially at night.
To deal with these conditions, Hilstar has developed several physical adaptations. The smaller an animal, the more difficult it is to maintain the heat of the body, as the loss of heat increases with a high surface-to-volume ratio. Most Hummingbird species weigh between 2.5 and 6.5 grams (0.09–0.23 ounces), with some lowestle species fall below two grams. But the rigid mountain environment has shaped the Ecuadorian Hilstar as a relatively strong bird, binding the scales on about 8 grams – such as the smallest passers -by, such as the Eurasian Wrain. It helps to stay very hot in the cold.
However, obtaining enough calories from nectar, pollen and small arthropod to keep the hummingbird alive is a daily challenge. Therefore, hillstars conserve energy wherever they can. For Hilstar, high-speed, energy-intensnel hovering, which is the specialty of most of the Hummingbirds, is often replaced by sticking to the flower while feeding.
Nevertheless, the activity of these hummingbirds is incredible. To compensate for low oxygen levels, the hillstar has very fast heart and respiratory rates. To keep your abilities in perspective, consider this: the human heart, which weighs about 0.5% of our total body mass, can temporarily maintain a heart rate of about 180 beats per minute. The heart of an Hummingbird, which is ten times larger in their body proportion, can exceed 1,000 beats per minute. This is like putting a formula 1 engine in the child’s pedal car.
A similar contrast is present in the rates of breathing. While humans breathe around 16 to 20 per minute, a relaxing Hummingbirds breathe around 300 times per minute, and during flight, this rate can exceed 500.
Such high-demonstrations demand constant supply of metabolic energy-rich fuels. But at these heights, flowering plants are rare. One of some hard species that depends on Chimborzo Hilstar is repaying (Chugwiraga jusuiSince this plant rarely makes large patches, Hilstars fiercely defend their feeding areas.
Interestingly, Hummingbirds struggle with heat loss, their super-skilled metabolism and powerful muscles are also a problem with overheating. It explains why they have fewer contour wings than lyrics of similar size. And bottom feathers – one of the best insulators of nature – adults are completely absent in Hummingbirds.
This is one thing to maintain metabolism during the day, and quite second to avoid a cold night when the temperature often falls down from the cold. For this purpose, Hilstar Hummingbirds has a truly remarkable adaptation – Fall asleepDuring this brief hibernation, the hillstar and other mountain hummingbird species reduce their metabolism by 95%. The heart rate decreases to about 50 beats per minute and the body temperature decreases to 5–10 ° C (40-50 ° F). This is a record between birds. Keep in mind that their body’s normal temperature is higher than us, so it is not less than exceptional to leave it.
Ecuadorian hillstars combine this strategy with a careful discovery for natural shelters at night, such as overhangs formed by caves or clay and vegetation. If these shelters are rare, many hillstars can gather in one place, separate their regional disputes for the night. At the beginning of the morning, however, any temporary truses are dissolved, and they begin their regional aggression with the sun’s first warming rays.
Some suggestions for the photo of high altitude Hummingbirds
- Learn their favorite plants – Research that likes your target species. If you find the right plant, there is a possibility that you will also find an Hummingbird.
- Choose a strategic location – Keep yourself in the place where you have a clear view of many flowers. Humingbirds visit the same flower at the same regular intervals. Chasing them from flowers to flowers is a game of necklace; You are not just made for this.
- Look for leaflets – Humingbirds often have preferred relaxing spots where they stop to survey their feeding area. Observe their habits, find a good angle, and wait.
- Choose the right light – The best position for a picture of Humingbords is usually partially under the cloud sky, providing soft, drovel light. Direct sunlight can wash the rainbow Structural color In their wings.
- Be quick – Humingbirds are most active in the morning, making them easier to find and photograph them.
- Use a tripod or monopod – High height is ending. A tripod or monopod Will help you stay in the game for a long time.
- Dress for cold – Do not let the equatorial place be foolish. Bring a warm cap, gloves and a thermos of hot tea. Remember that low oxygen levels make you susceptible to cool.
- Be aware of your environment – High Andes are more houses than Humingbirds. Keep an eye on other attractive species like the Andean Condor.
