Yesterday’s nasturtium looked inviting to a hummingbird, but how does he drink its nectar?
This Science Friday video — originally published on May 27, 2011 — shows how both the dog and the hummingbird use their tongues to drink.
The dog drinks by sucking liquid up in a column, not by using its tongue as a ladle to its mouth.
The hummingbird is even more amazing. Its tongue has a zipper that opens in liquid and shuts when withdrawn. It holds the liquid inside its tongue.
Watch and see!
(video from Science Friday)
p.s. What kind of hummingbird is this? (I have no idea.)
What an amazing and entertaining video (I especially liked the Italian music). I could not begin to identify the hummingbird. Thanks!
This is GREAT! I have missed bird anatomy.
Best Guess:
Considering the barring/streaking on the breast and the buff throat and the post-ocular/auricular stripe. . .
Juvenile Purple-throated Mountain Gem
I love your “sci-fri” videos Kate!