What Are the Smallest Birds?

The world's smallest bird is a mere 5.7 cm long. Scientists tell us that this is probably the smallest that a vertebrate animal can be. Bird conservation is important in the changing world; facts about the biggest and smallest in any species helps to capture the imagination, especially in young people.

  1. Indian Silverbill

    • The fifth smallest bird is the Indian silverbill. They reside in the Middle East and South Asia in areas that are dry and arid, such as the desert and open areas of grassland where seeds are the main food. The bird's body is a mere 11 cm long. The Indian silverbill can be distinguished by its silvery grey bill, white belly, dark wings, black tail and buff upper-parts and sides.

    Scaly-Breasted Munia

    • The fourth smallest bird is the scaly-breasted munia at 12 cm long. This bird can be found in the Philippines, tropical Asia and Indonesia. It has a dark brown head, bill and back, and white belly with black markings that resemble scales. The scaly-breasted munias feed on grass seeds and stems, and occasionally small berries. They have cone-shaped beaks adapted for picking seeds.

    Purple-Rumped Sunbirds

    • At 10 cm long, purple-rumped sunbirds are found in the Indian subcontinent. Their beaks are thin and downward curving and their backs are blue-green with patches of violet on their throat. Males are often more brightly colored than females. They consume nectar from flowers.

    Tickell's Flowerpecker

    • Tickell's flowerpecker is also known as the pale-billed flowerpecker. It is 8 cm long. Tickell's flowerpecker eats berries and nectar. Native to Sri Lanka and southern India, they are brownish on their upper parts and lighter on their bellies. Their feathers can also appear an olive green.

    The Bee Hummingbird

    • The bee hummingbird is the world's smallest bird at 5.7 cm long. Its back and wings are blue-green and its belly is light grey. Native to Cuba and the Isle of Pines, its habitat consists of thick forest and woodlands. The bee hummingbird consumes primarily nectar, though pollen and insects are its source of protein. It has a very high metabolic rate and needs to constantly feed; the bee hummingbird requires around 77 times more energy than humans do. A high speed camera is needed to photograph the bird because its movements are so rapid.