Do You Know Hummingbirds? Quiz | Wild Birds

Do You Know Hummingbirds? Trivia Quiz

This is a short set of questions based on my favorite bird, the hummingbird. This quiz should be pretty easy if you watch hummingbirds and know a little about them. Even if you don't, there's lots to learn about these wonderful birds. Enjoy!

A multiple-choice quiz by cardinal01. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Most hummingbirds live in the western half of the U.S. Only one lives and breeds east of the Mississippi River. Which one is it?

Answer: Ruby-throated

No one knows for sure why only one hummingbird species lives in the east. One theory is that the climate in the west is more favourable to hummingbirds and the flowers they feed on. Another is that the lack of flowers in arid regions of the Midwest has prevented any species from crossing the continent.

2. There are only two species of hummingbirds in the U.S. who have iridescent feathers on top of their heads as well as on their throats. Which ones are they?

Answer: Anna's and Costa's

This makes them easier to identify, especially since they live in areas with lots of other hummers. Anna's hummingbird has dark pink iridescence, and Costa's has purple.

3. Hummingbirds sometimes migrate on the backs of Canada geese.

Answer: False

This is a very popular myth. There is no documented information saying that this could occur. For one thing, hummingbirds are very territorial and would never stay that close to another bird, and geese would also be unlikely to tolerate it. Also, geese and hummingbirds migrate at different times.

4. Hummingbirds eat lots of insects and spiders, as well as the occasional lick of tree sap from sapsucker holes.

Answer: True

Hummingbirds are very adept at nabbing insects in flight, as well as picking them from leaves, flowers, or even spiderwebs. Tree sap can be an essential source of energy during a food shortage or sudden frost.

5. It is essential to have red food colouring in the sugar-water mixture for your hummingbird feeders.

Answer: False

It is not a good idea to put red food dye in your hummingbird food. Even though it is safe for humans, its effect on birds has not been carefully studied. Therefore, it's best to be safe--the red plastic on your feeder should be more than enough to attract the hummers.

6. Male and female hummingbirds share nest-making, feeding, and brooding duties fairly equally.

Answer: False

Actually, most hummingbird males desert the female soon after she lays the eggs. In fact, some male hummers will even attempt to chase females off of their nests because they're in the males' territory. Another explanation of the male's desertion is to avoid attracting the attention of predators due to his brighter colors.

7. Which of these is NOT an important nest-building material for hummingbirds?

Answer: Down feathers

Hummingbirds have no down feathers, so they cannot procure any of their own for their nests, although they may acquire some from other sources. Spiderwebs are essential; the nest would fall apart without spiderwebs to stick it together. Plant fibers provide the bulk of the nest, and lichens offer camouflage.

8. Hummingbirds have no musical song; they can only squeak, buzz, and chatter.

Answer: True

Hummingbirds' vocal systems are much simpler than that of most songbirds, therefore they cannot sing melodiously. However, in addition to vocal sounds, hummers can make several different buzzing noises with their wings, which can be signs of aggression.

9. Which is the smallest hummingbird in North America?

Answer: Calliope

Calliope hummingbirds live in the west. They are usually easy to identify because the male is the only hummer to have separate streaks of color on his throat. The scientific genus, Stellula, means "little star".

10. Which of these hummingbirds was formerly known as Rivoli's hummingbird?

Answer: Magnificent

It was named after Francois Victor Massena, the Duc de Rivoli, an avid collector of stuffed birds in the early 19th century. Interestingly, the Anna's hummingbird was named after his wife, Anna de Belle Massena.

Source: Author cardinal01

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Do You Know Hummingbirds? Trivia Quiz

This is a short set of questions based on my favorite bird, the hummingbird. This quiz should be pretty easy if you watch hummingbirds and know a little about them. Even if you don't, there's lots to learn about these wonderful birds. Enjoy!

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>