This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Wednesday 9 September 2020
Hummingbird Tops?
It appears that the Black metaltail hummingbird, in the Andes of South America, has acquired a new record. This tiny bird shows an energy-conserving phenomenon called 'daily torpor'. On cold nights, its body temperature can go as low as 3.3 degrees Centigrade (https://www.sciencenews.org/article/hummingbirds-black-metaltail-cold-torpor). During the day time, when it is actively feeding on the nectar from flowers, its body temperature can shoot up to 40 degrees Centigrade. This is a bird whose rapid wing beats allow it to fly forewards, backwards, upside down and to hover.
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