The ruby-throated hummingbird in today"s homepage image is snacking on some yellow bells in the Texas Hill Country, preparing for its long journey south for the winter. This time of year, the hummingbirds leave the northern latitudes of the eastern US and Canada, migrating to the warmer climes of Mexico and Central America. Along their route, many will cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single 500-mile flight, which can take 18-22 hours of nonstop flying at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Tiny but fierce, the ruby-throated hummingbird weighs less than a nickel. It beats its wings about 53 times a second on average, but during courtship the wingbeat rate increases to 200 times per second, the fastest of any bird.
Tiny fliers head south
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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The wild heart of Tasmania
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30 years after Exxon Valdez
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World Environment Day
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Anniversary of Bryce Canyon National Park
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Honoring the fallen
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World Art Day
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Happy Pi Day!
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National Mountain Climbing Day
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Paper lanterns on the longest night
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World Otter Day
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Porto Cathedral, Portugal
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Pumpkin patch
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The last thing seen by Wile E. Coyote
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Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
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Spring equinox
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Azaleas blooming on Hwangmaesan Mountain, South Korea
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National Park Week: Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
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Seitan Limania Beach, Crete
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Under Parisian skies
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The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy
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Lake Peipus, Estonia
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Cetacean Saturday
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There’s a dog in there somewhere
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Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens
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Reflecting on one of the world s strangest rivers
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Celebrating the Day of the Dead
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Dressed to impress
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Black History Month
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Silent night, sparkling lights, and hearts full of joy
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Quebec City for Winter Carnival