![]() ![]() “Circadian rhythm, or circadian cycle, is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours.” Wikipedia Hummingbirds have an internal clock or better known as a circadian rhythm. Fans of “The Sound Of Music” will remember, ” the sun has gone to bed, and so must I.” Hummingbirds will do the same. Work really hard during the day and sleep at night. For instance, at rest, the heart rate of a hummingbird is approximately 250 beats per minute, and according to the National Park Service “A resting hummingbird takes about 250 breaths per minute.” When Do Hummingbirds Enter Torpor? Reading different studies and information, the correlation of heart rate and breathing rate seems to equal. It has also been observed that these birds may even stop breathing for periods of time to conserve energy. The information I did find stated that a hummingbird’s breathing rate is so low that it is almost undetectable. I could not find any scientific research that revealed a specified rate for the hummingbirds’ breathing. If my math is right, that is a decrease of over 95%. In contrast, the heart measures as low as 50 beats per minute during torpor. In comparison, a jackhammer pounds the ground 1500 beats per minute. Hummingbird Heart Rate During Torporĭuring daytime activity, the hummingbird’s heart beats at an astonishing rate of approximately 1200 beats per minute (during flight). This low temperature is considered a “set point.” Therefore, if the surrounding temperature gets colder, the body will generate heat to maintain this “set point” temperature. The first part is normal body temperature, Second part is torpor (not a photo). Research conducted in the tropical Andes revealed a drop in temperature to “ 3.26☌, the lowest yet reported for any bird or non-hibernating mammal.” The normal body temperature for a hummingbird during daytime activity has been measured through research to be around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celcius).ĭuring torpor, the body temperature has been measured to be an average of approximately 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celcius). Hummingbirds Body Temperature During Torpor In actuality, their bodies systems are barely sufficient enough to keep them alive.īody temperature drops, heart rate lowers, and breathing rate lowers to almost non-existent levels. During torpor, the hummingbird will appear dead. Torpor is a very deep sleep closely related to hibernation. Their metabolism is therefore reduced by as much as 95%. Torpor is an evolutionary adaptation that allows the bird to lower its body temperature to the point of barely being alive. “No motion whatever of the lungs could be perceived, on the closest inspection, though at other times this is remarkably observable the eyes were shut and when touched by the finger it gave no signs of life or motion.” ![]() ![]() Here is what the “Father of American Ornithology” Alexander Wilson said in the book “American Ornithology, Or The Natural History of the Birds of the …, Volume 2.” Daily torpor allows the hummingbird to lower its internal body temperature to a hypothermic state (barely alive). Hummingbirds enter a distinctive type of sleep called “Daily Torpor” (pronounced TOR-per). To save enough energy to survive the nights. How do hummingbirds sleep if they have to eat every 10-15 minutes? As you know, the hummingbird possesses some very unique characteristics, and its sleeping ability is no exception. Let’s begin by looking at their high energy demand challenge. ![]()
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