I'm often asked how hummingbirds are able to retrieve the nectar from the top feeding hummingbird feeders. Here is the answer: Hummingbirds lap up the nectar with their tongues, much like a dog laps up water... Only at a much faster rate. Some experts say a hummingbird's tongue can flick in and out at about 15X per second. And, their tongues are unusually long. About one and a half to two times the length of its bill. So, they have no difficulty in reaching the nectar from inside the glass flower feeding tubes.
You can see how they use the feeders by watching the video by Parasol. You can view it by clicking here: Watch Parasol Movie . In some of the clips, you can actually see the hummingbird's tongue inside the feeder. Cute little buggers!
You can see how they use the feeders by watching the video by Parasol. You can view it by clicking here: Watch Parasol Movie . In some of the clips, you can actually see the hummingbird's tongue inside the feeder. Cute little buggers!
