- The green hermit is a hummingbird in mountain forests.
- Males gather and fight for perches to get mates.
- Males raise their long, thin bill to stab an opponent.
- The bill also goes into flowers to reach nectar.
- A broken bill makes feeding harder for the bird.
- Researchers at the Burke Museum make 3D models of bills.
- Male bills are straighter and sharper than female bills.
- Straighter bills help males hit more easily in fights.
Difficult words
- hummingbird — A type of small bird that is fast.hummingbirds
- fight — To use force against someone or something.fights
- food — What we eat to stay alive.
- mate — A partner for animals to reproduce.mates
- strong — Having a lot of power or force.
- bill — The beak of a bird, used to eat.bills
- win — To be successful in a competition.
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 hummingbirds are small?
- How do you feel about fighting for food?
- What is important for animals when finding a mate?
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