7 April 2023
The hummingbird family (Trochilidae) is one of the five largest on Earth(*) containing 363 species in 112 genera. Though many are named “hummingbird” most have fanciful names that reflect their beauty including brilliant, emerald, woodnymph, coronet and sunbeam.
While we wait for our own hummingbirds to return on migration, here’s another look at my WINGS birding trip to Mindo and the Northwest Andes (28 Jan – 5 Feb) with hummingbird photos and video by fellow travelers.
The photos at top are by Bob Black. The 16-minute video below is by Peter Haines (P.B. Child Birding). You’ll meet Peter’s dogs at the beginning.
(*)p.s. Here’s where hummingbirds fit into the five largest bird families. Species counts are from Birds Of The World.
| Family Name | Scientific name | Where found | Number of species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrant Flycatchers | Tyrannidae | Western Hemisphere | 441 |
| Tanagers and Allies | Thraupidae | Western Hemisphere | 382 |
| Hummingbirds | Trochilidae | Western Hemisphere | 363 |
| Pigeons and Doves | Columbidae | worldwide | 353 |
| Old World Flycatchers | Muscicapidae | Eurasia and Africa | 345 |
(photos by Bob Black, video by P.B. Child Birding on YouTube)