Types of Small Wild Birds

Birds come in many shapes and sizes, and there are many types of small birds. The smallest bird species in the world is the bee hummingbird, which averages two inches long. Small birds have varying demeanors, diets and lifestyles. The only thing all these species have in common is their small stature.

  1. Hummingbird

    • The hummingbird is the smallest bird, averaging three inches, and is only found in the Western Hemisphere. There are 343 hummingbird types or species and they weigh from 2 and 20 grams. The smallest hummingbird type is the bee hummingbird and the largest is the giant hummingbird. Hummingbirds live for five years on average, but they can live for up to 10 years. They are primarily known for their speed, and are the only bird that can fly forwards, backwards, sideways, and upside down. Their wings beat about 70 times per second when flying and 200 times per second when diving. They can fly between 25 and 30 mph and dive at 60 mph. A hummingbird's heart beats between 250 and 1,260 times per minute Hummingbirds are very intelligent, with a brain that is 4.2 percent of its body weight, the largest percentage for any bird. It can remember every flower it has eaten nectar from and knows how long it will take a flower to refill. Hummingbirds also can hear and see better than humans, but they have no sense of smell.

    Carolina Wren

    • The Carolina wren is the state bird of South Carolina, and because it does not migrate and cannot withstand extreme cold it is usually found in warm climates. At 5 1/2 inches, the Carolina wren is small and has a typical life span of six years. The Carolina wren eats insects, larvae, and spiders as well as fruit. It hops on the ground more often than it flies because that is where it finds its for food. The Carolina wren is a monogamous bird and pairs share such activities as nest building and feeding their young. However, only male wrens produce songs.

    American Goldfinch

    • The American goldfinch is the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa and Washington, though American goldfinches in these states migrate to warmer climates during the winter. The American goldfinch is between 4 and 5 inches long. The male American goldfinches have bright yellow bodies, black foreheads, black and white wings, and white patches above and under the tail. Females are dull yellow and olive colored. The American goldfinch only eats seeds, making it a common sight at bird feeders. Its natural habitats are weedy fields and floodplains, but it is also found in gardens, orchards, and backyards. American goldfinch mates have almost the same flight calls, which can help you distinguish pairs.