There are some birds in the world whose tiny size goes beyond our imagination. Some are so small, they leave us amazed. These tiny birds are colorful, and some even help control insect populations.
In this article, we’ll explore seven of the smallest birds in the world, learning about their size, characteristics, and habitats. So, let’s take flight into the fascinating world of the tiniest birds.
1. Bee Hummingbird
Can you imagine how small a bird can be? The smallest bird in the world is The bee hummingbird. Males grow up to just 5.5 cm long—smaller than an average apple, which is around 7 to 8.5 cm long, according to Wikipedia. They weigh only 1.95 grams, while females can reach about 6.1 cm and 2.6 grams in weight.
This size also makes them the smallest warm-blooded vertebrates in the world. Male bee hummingbirds have bright blue backs and heads, while the females are pale gray with hints of green.
Scientific name: Mellisuga helenae
2. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope hummingbird is the smallest native bird in the USA and Canada. From beak to tail, they measure about 7 cm (2.75 inches)—about the size of an apple.
Like other hummingbirds, they feed on nectar and tiny insects. These birds are known for their bright coloring: green backs and glittering magenta throats.
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
3. Costa’s Hummingbird
The final hummingbird on this list is the Costa’s hummingbird, scientifically known as Calypte costae.
Found in the USA and Mexico, these tiny birds are known for their brilliant purple heads. Adult males grow to 3–3.5 inches (7.6–8.9 cm) long with wingspans up to 11 cm. Males weigh around 3.05 grams, and females around 3.22 grams.
Costa’s hummingbirds are very active and fly swiftly from flower to flower collecting nectar.
4. Orange-bellied Flowerpecker
The orange-bellied flowerpecker (Dicaeum trigonostigma) is found in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It grows to about 8 cm in length and weighs around 4 grams.
It has a grayish body with an olive back, light olive underparts, a dirty yellow throat, and a dull brown belly.
These birds feed on nectar and small insects, playing a role in pollination and seed dispersal.
5. Firecrest
The firecrest is a small, bright songbird found mainly in the UK, and also across most of Europe and parts of Northwest Africa. Sightings are rare.
It belongs to the Regulidae family, has fast-flapping wings, and a long, narrow beak.
Firecrests live in open woodlands and gardens, feeding on nectar and small insects. They measure about 9.3 cm in length and weigh around 5.5 grams.
Scientific name: Regulus ignicapilla, meaning “little king of fire”—inspired by its bright coloring.
6. Spotted Pardalote
In Eastern and Southern Australia The spotted pardalote, a member of the Pardalotidae family, is found.
It lives at altitudes up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) and measures 8–10 cm (3.1–3.9 inches) in length.
It’s one of the smallest and most colorful Australian birds and is sometimes called the “diamond bird.”
Scientific name: Pardalotus punctatus
7. Weebill
The weebill, part of the Acanthizidae family, is found across mainland Australia and is one of the country’s smallest birds.
It has grayish-yellow feathers and measures 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 inches) in length, weighing only 5–6 grams.
The weebill plays an important role in insect control.
Scientific name: Smicrornis brevirostris
