The Smallest Tropical Birds: Examples and Facts

1. Bee Hummingbird

The smallest tropical bird in the world is the Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae). This tiny bird is native to Cuba and measures only about 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) in length. It weighs just 0.07 ounces (2 grams), making it one of the lightest birds on the planet. Despite its small size, the Bee Hummingbird is known for its vibrant colors, with males displaying iridescent feathers in shades of green, blue, and red.

2. Elf Owl

Another small tropical bird is the Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi). Found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, this owl measures around 5.75 inches (14.6 cm) in length and weighs about 1.4 ounces (40 grams). Despite its small size, the Elf Owl is an excellent hunter, feeding on insects, small birds, and rodents. It is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like a series of whistles.

3. Pygmy Parrot

The Pygmy Parrot (Micropsitta pusio) is one of the smallest parrots in the world. Native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea and nearby islands, this tiny bird measures around 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length. It has a vibrant green plumage and a short, stubby beak. The Pygmy Parrot feeds primarily on fruit and nectar, using its specialized tongue to extract the sweet juices.

4. Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a small bird found in North America. It measures around 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length and weighs about 0.4 ounces (11 grams). The Black-capped Chickadee is known for its distinctive black cap and bib, as well as its cheerful song. It feeds on insects, seeds, and berries and is a common visitor to bird feeders.

5. Golden-crowned Kinglet

The Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is a tiny bird found in North America. It measures around 4 inches (10 cm) in length and weighs about 0.2 ounces (6 grams). Despite its small size, the Golden-crowned Kinglet is known for its energetic behavior, constantly flitting through trees in search of insects and spiders. It has a bright yellow crest on its head, which gives it its name.

6. Verdin

The Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) is a small bird found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It measures around 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length and weighs about 0.3 ounces (8 grams). The Verdin has a distinctive yellow head and a grayish-brown body. It is known for its intricate nest-building skills, constructing spherical nests made of twigs and grass.

7. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) is a small bird found in North and Central America. It measures around 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length and weighs about 0.3 ounces (9 grams). The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is known for its blue-gray plumage and long, thin beak. It feeds primarily on insects, catching them in mid-air with its agile flight.

8. Ruby-crowned Kinglet

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) is a small bird found in North America. It measures around 4 inches (10 cm) in length and weighs about 0.3 ounces (7 grams). The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is named for the ruby-red patch on the crown of its head, which is often concealed. It feeds on insects and spiders, often hovering to catch its prey.

9. Anna's Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a small bird found on the western coast of North America. It measures around 4 inches (10 cm) in length and weighs about 0.2 ounces (5 grams). The male Anna's Hummingbird has vibrant iridescent feathers on its head and throat, which can flash bright pink or red in the sunlight. It feeds on nectar from flowers and is known for its acrobatic flight.

10. Least Flycatcher

The Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) is a small bird found in North America. It measures around 5 inches (13 cm) in length and weighs about 0.4 ounces (11 grams). The Least Flycatcher is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like a sharp "che-bek." It feeds on insects, catching them in mid-air with its quick and agile flight.

These are just a few examples of the smallest tropical birds in the world. Despite their small size, these birds are full of energy and play important roles in their ecosystems. Whether it's the vibrant colors of the Bee Hummingbird or the acrobatic flight of the Anna's Hummingbird, these tiny creatures never fail to captivate us with their beauty and grace.