13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Long-tailed Sylph Hummingbird feeding on nectar from hibiscus relative
Most hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar and insects but sometimes their bills are not long enough to reach the nectar. That´s exactly what happened here as another bird, probably a Flowerpiercer, open a hole in the base of this hibiscus flower to steal nectar, and I say still as these birds does not pollinate the flower but just steal the natural fuel. In this case the hummingbird had learned to do the same and that´s when I cought it while flying and extending its tail feathers as another hummingbird of of the frame came to compite for food.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 02.2015 |
Date Uploaded: | 05.2015 |
Photo Location: | Ecuador |
Camera: | Canon EOS-1D Mark IV |
Copyright: | © Juan Carlos Vindas |
Awards
Editor's Pick |