Hummingbirds of the Americas
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Currently under production
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HUMMINGBIRDS OF THE AMERICAS
SUMMARY
This exhibition welcomes the visitor to the universe of the smallest bird in the world. The brilliant colours and diversity of these birds, long forgotten in the depths of the museum, help us rediscover an exceptional collection. The hummingbirds that you can admire in this exhibition date back to the beginning of the 20th century for some, and for others, to the middle of the 19th century. Only present in the Americas, these tiny jewels of nature have long been a source of fascination for naturalists and collectors. Come and discover this compelling universe: the Hummingbirds of the Americas.
You will be able to observe 75 specimens representing some fifty or so different species in all. The exhibition also features numerous photos taken by Mr. Jean Léveillé.
There is no guided tour direction in this exhibition; the visitor is free to wander as he or she pleases. The sobre design is meant to put the accent on the magnificent specimens of hummingbirds; the showcases and lighting are designed to make it easier to observe them. The modules are made of wood which gives the exhibition a warm and seasoned touch, similar to the museums of the 19th century.
The exhibition Hummingbirds of the Americas is a production of EPC for the Musée de la nature et des sciences, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
Zone 1: Enchanting Hummingbirds
How could anyone not succumb to the charm of hummingbirds! Even their names arouse our admiration. These are sometimes revealing and often funny, frequently inspired by their physical characteristics and sometimes even their behaviour.
This zone is made up of two modules: one that serves as an introduction and showcase with five naturalized specimens.
Zone 2: Colours and Legends from South America
Discover how hummingbirds are represented in the mythology of South American peoples, especially among the Aztecs and Mayans.
This zone includes a module.
Zone 3: Family Portrait
Hummingbirds and hermits form one family: the Trochilidea. They share several points in common, but each has its own character. Discover the differences!
This zone includes a module with a showcase containing a hermit, two hummingbirds and a swift.
Zone 4: Citizens of the Americas
Hummingbirds are only found in the Americas. Although the greatest diversity is observed in Colombia and Ecuador, they are also present from Alaska right down to Tierra del Fuego. Similar birds are found on other continents, but they are not hummingbirds. Can you find the intruder hiding among the hummingbirds?
This zone includes a module with a display containing seven hummingbirds and a sunbird.
Zone 5: From the Tropical Forests to the Snowy Peaks
Despite their apparent fragility, hummingbirds are very well adapted to different climates, living in all environments, from sea level to the highest mountain peaks, especially where flowers are available. Discover the hummingbirds of the summits and forests.
This zone includes a module with a display case containing 3 hummingbirds.
Zone 6: Character Traits
The very special flight of the hummingbird and its colours are quite remarkable. Some are so tiny that they can remain unnoticed or even be mistaken for insects! Discover the Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae), the smallest bird in the world! Did you know that hummingbirds are terrible walkers?
This zone includes a module with seven naturalized hummingbirds. A display case within which several of them are positioned on a turntable makes it possible to see the iridescent colours of their feathers.
Zone 7: Diet
The hummingbird’s long, fine beak, and long, sensitive tongue are very well adapted to harvesting nectar. Find out more about the immense energy needs of these tiny birds.
This zone includes a module with a display containing three naturalized hummingbirds and a matching game: “Can you connect the right flower with each hummingbird?”
Zone 8: Sedentary or Migratory?
Few species of hummingbirds undertake real migrations. The exceptions are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) and the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), two species that nest in Canada. Follow their itinerary and move across a map on the ground…
Three stations for each of two species of hummingbird provide information about their migratory journey.
Zone 9: Reproduction and Nesting
Male hummingbirds are polygamous; they only associate with each of the females for a very brief time. Look! What does a hummingbird nest remind you of?
This zone includes a module with a display containing eight hummingbirds.
Zone 10: The Musée de la nature et des sciences in Sherbrooke.
From the middle of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th, the beautiful feathers of hummingbirds have been prized and sought after. Could you guess at the number of hummingbirds sold by one London auction house between 1904 and 1911? Today, the Musée de la nature et des sciences only adds new specimens to its collections that have met with accidents or have died of natural causes.
This zone is divided in two to allow you to see 37 hummingbird specimens from 31 different species.
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