List of Top 10 Smallest Birds in the World

Top 10 Smallest Birds in the World: Exploring the world of avian wonders, we find that the smallest birds boast an astonishing diversity and unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in various habitats. The Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga Helena), the world’s smallest bird, headlines this list, remarkable for its minuscule size of just 5-6 centimeters and weighing a mere 1.7 grams. Native to Cuba, this bird is a marvel of nature, with its ability to hover by beating its wings at an incredible speed while feeding on nectar.

In this article, we have provided a list of the top 10 smallest birds in the world, with their length, and description.

Top 10 Smallest Birds in the World

The table given below lists the top 10 smallest birds in the world with their length, and descriptions:

Rank	Bird Name	Length	Description
1	Bee Hummingbird	About 2 in	The world’s smallest bird, found in Cuba, can weigh less than 2 grams.
2	Vervain Hummingbird	About 2.4 in	One of the tiniest hummingbirds, found in Jamaica and Hispaniola.
3	Costa’s Hummingbird	About 3 – 3.5 in	Known for the male’s vibrant purple throat, found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
4	Calliope Hummingbird	About 3 in	The smallest bird in the U.S. and Canada, recognized by its striking magenta throat.
5	Bumblebee Hummingbird	About 3 in	Found in Mexico and the U.S., named for its small size resembling a bumblebee.
6	Anna’s Hummingbird	About 3.9 in	Larger than the others on this list, known for its iridescent green and pink colors.
7	Broad-tailed Hummingbird	About 3.1 – 3.5 in	Notable for its broad tail and the male’s rose-red throat, found in the western U.S. and Mexico.
8	Rufous Hummingbird	About 3 – 3.5 in	Known for its amazing migration distance, sporting bright orange feathers.
9	Allen’s Hummingbird	About 3.5 in	Similar to the rufous but with a more limited range, found along the California coast.
10	Buff-bellied Hummingbird	About 4 in	Found in the southernmost tip of Texas in the U.S. and down into Mexico.

1. Bee Hummingbird

The Bee Hummingbird, native to Cuba, holds the title for the smallest bird in the world. Weighing around 1.6-2 grams and measuring approximately 5 cm in length, this bird is comparable in size to a large bee, which is how it gets its name. Males are notable for their iridescent red throat feathers during the mating season.

2. Vervain Hummingbird

Found in Jamaica and Hispaniola, the Vervain Hummingbird is another tiny bird, with adults reaching about 6 cm in length. Despite their small size, they are fiercely territorial. They exhibit beautiful green plumage with hints of blue and white.

3. Costa’s Hummingbird

This species is slightly larger, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The Costa’s Hummingbird is recognized for its brilliant purple throat and cap, which are especially prominent in males. They measure about 7.5-8.5 cm in length.

4. Calliope Hummingbird

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada, measuring around 7-10 cm in length. They have striking magenta streaks on their throat and migrate long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.

5. Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Found in the western United States, Mexico, and Central America, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird measures about 8-9 cm in length. They are known for their broad, rounded tails and the distinctive trilling sound their wings make in flight.

6. Weebill

Australia’s smallest bird, the Weebill, measures about 8-9 cm. Despite their size, they have a loud, distinctive call. They have a plain, olive-brown appearance with a pale underside.

7. Goldcrest

The Goldcrest is Europe’s smallest bird, measuring 8.5-9.5 cm in length. They are easily recognizable by the bright yellow stripe on their heads. They inhabit coniferous forests and gardens.

8. Pardalote

There are several species of Pardalote in Australia, with lengths ranging from 8 to 10 cm. They are known for their striking plumage, including spots, stripes, and bright colors.

9. American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch, found across North America, measures around 11-13 cm in length. They are known for their vibrant yellow feathers during the breeding season and their delightful singing.

10. Elf Owl:

The Elf Owl, the smallest owl species, measures about 12-14 cm in length and is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are nocturnal and feed on insects and other small prey.

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Summary – List of Top 10 Smallest Birds in the World

Exploring the enchanting world of the smallest birds, we dive into a realm where tiny avian wonders showcase remarkable diversity and unique adaptations. Leading this extraordinary list is the Bee Hummingbird from Cuba, the tiniest bird on the planet, barely larger than a large bee and weighing less than 2 grams. This fascinating list includes other minuscule marvels like the Vervain Hummingbird, found in Jamaica and Hispaniola, and the vibrant Costa’s Hummingbird from the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. We also meet the Calliope Hummingbird, the smallest in the U.S. and Canada, known for its dazzling throat, and the Bumblebee Hummingbird, aptly named for its size. The list extends to include the Anna’s Hummingbird with its iridescent hues, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird with its distinct sound, the migratory Rufous Hummingbird, the coastal Allen’s Hummingbird, and the Buff-bellied Hummingbird. Beyond hummingbirds, the list encompasses the Weebill from Australia, Europe’s tiny Goldcrest, the colorful Pardalote, the cheerful American Goldfinch, and the nocturnal Elf Owl. Each bird, despite its small stature, plays a vital role in its habitat, showcasing nature’s ability to adapt and flourish in myriad forms.

FAQs on List of Top 10 Smallest Birds in the World

What is the smallest bird in the world?

The smallest bird in the world is the Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helena), found in Cuba. It measures about 2 inches in length and can weigh less than 2 grams, making it comparable in size to a large bee.

Can the Bee Hummingbird be found outside of Cuba?

The Bee Hummingbird is native to Cuba and is not naturally found outside of this region. Its habitat is limited to the island, where it thrives in various environments.

What makes hummingbirds unique compared to other birds?

Hummingbirds are unique for their ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings, which can beat up to 80 times per second. This unique trait allows them to feed on nectar while flying. They are also known for their vibrant colors and small size.

Are there any tiny birds that can be found in the United States?

Yes, several small birds are native to the United States, including the Calliope Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the U.S. and Canada, known for its striking magenta throat, and the Rufous Hummingbird, known for its bright orange feathers and remarkable migration distances.

How do small birds like the Bee Hummingbird and Vervain Hummingbird adapt to their environments?

Small birds have various adaptations that allow them to thrive in their environments. For instance, their rapid wing beats enable hummingbirds to hover and feed on nectar from flowers, providing them with the high energy they need. Their small size also allows them to evade predators more easily and exploit small niches within ecosystems.