Throughout my adventures in Costa Rica and Belize, I’ve seen some enormous wonders, including the canopies of the rainforests, and the shadows of towering pyramids. The biggest wonders for me, though, came in tiny packages.

Hummingbirds. With nearly 900 bird species living in its diverse habitat, Costa Rica is a bird watcher’s dream! From the colorful flight of macaw to the laughing call of the toucan, this country is home to a wide variety of brilliant bird species, and today, I got up close with world’s smallest bird - the hummingbird!

Hummingbirds are such speedy fliers, that when you see one, it’s usually only for a fleeting moment, and then they’re gone in a flash. Hummingbirds are perfectly adapted to flight, being light, aerodynamic, and strong. Their bodies are nearly 1/3 flight muscles, with feathers making up most of what’s left.

Most of a hummingbird’s time is spent in flight, and because of this they haven’t developed much strength in their feet. While they are able to perch on a branch or flower while feeding, they can barely walk. This nearly constant in-flight action means they have a high metabolism rate burn, needing plenty of fuel as a result. Their choice meal consists of primarily of sugary nectar, which they collect via their grooved-tongue.

The Blue Morpho. Another tiny, iridescent wonder found in Central America is the Blue Morpho butterfly. It can also be found in México and South America. Even though nearly weightless, the Blue Morpho plays an important role in the ecosystem here. Like bees, they carry pollen between plants and help them reproduce.

Blue Morphos are masters of disguise. When they fold shut, the Blue Morpho’s wings are grey and brown. This serves as camouflage from predators and allows them to blend in with tree bark in the jungle. When they open their wings, though, they reveal a brilliant sheen of electric blue. This effect is caused by microscopic scales in their wings which catch and reflect sun’s light to create contrast, and attract mates.

Head down under. Visit the Maya Underworld with me.

Blog by Jenny M. Buccos, Katherine Lonsdorf, & Brandee Sanders.
© ProjectExplorer.org, 2011-present. All Rights Reserved.