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Here’s How a Hummingbird Is Weighed

A glossy blue hummingbird hovering next to a pink flower.
Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock

Have you ever seen a hummingbird being weighed? If not, this adorable video is sure to lift your spirits.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo isn’t just home to a multitude of animals. It’s also a perfect way for you and your kids to learn more about the natural world and watch a cute video or two. The most recent video on the Zoo’s YouTube channel shows how zookeepers weigh a hummingbird.

Yes, you might think it would be impossible to weigh these flitting brightly hued little creatures, and they did have to get clever to do so. A wire is placed in front of the hummingbird feeder, and when the bird lands on it to drink from the dispenser, its weight is recorded. The little guy in question weighs a cool 3.6 grams (less than a nickel).

Hummingbirds aren’t all you’ll find on the Zoo’s channel. Be sure to check out the footage of the Red Pandas or the educational videos about what happens behind the scenes. Plus, there’s always the Giant Panda and Lion Cams if you want a live look at what the animals are up to.

[Via Southern Living]

Shea Simmons Shea Simmons
Shea Simmons is the Editor In Chief of LifeSavvy. Previously, she worked as a freelance writer with a focus on beauty and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Allure, and Hello Giggles. Read Full Bio »
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