Hummingbirds often fight each other for food and mates. The green hermit hummingbird lives in the mountain forests of Central and South America. Male green hermits fight to win female partners.
Research shows that male and female green hermits have different bill shapes. The males have straighter and stronger bills, while females have more curved bills to help them drink nectar from flowers. This difference is because males fight more often.
Difficult words
- hummingbird — A small bird that can fly quickly and hover.
- fight — To use force against someone or something.
- food — What people or animals eat.
- mate — A partner for reproduction.mates, partners
- nectar — A sweet liquid produced by flowers.
- curve — To bend or change direction.curved
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think fighting is common among male hummingbirds?
- How might the environment influence the shape of a bird's bill?
- What are other reasons animals might compete for mates?
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