There are 350 species in the hummingbird family spreading through the
Western Hemisphere from southern Alaska to Tierra del Fuego at the tip
of South America.  There are about 16 species of hummingbirds in the U.S.
and Canada.  The eastern U.S. has only the Ruby-throated hummingbird.
The first of the 2003 season was spotted at my feeder on May 13.

Hummingbird's Song
Hummingbird's lack a true song.  Instead they vocalize chirping notes.  Most calls are short buzz trills and chirps.  Hummingbirds' wings 'buzz' or make a whirring sound while the birds are in flight.  This sound is referred to as a 'wing whistle.'  Birds frequently vocalize to attract a mate.

A hummingbird's wing beats 80 times
per second and its heart rate is 1260 beats per minute!!

A rare albino hummer

Recipe for hummingbird nectar:
Four parts of boiled that has been cooled, to one part of sugar.  Store the nectar in the refrigerator for up to one week.  It isn't
necessary, nor needed, to add red food coloring.