Hummdinger

"Hummdinger" captures the breathtaking dance of these delicate creatures as they hover gracefully from flower to resplendent flower. Whether displayed in a cherished space, on a coffee mug or notebook, this vibrant portrait will serve as a conversation piece, an oasis of tranquility, and a wellspring of inspiration. Plus, every purchase helps support the vital work of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Thank you!

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Why save the hummingbirds?

More than 2,000 species of bird assist with the pollination of different plants, especially in tropical areas where birds are more abundant, and in extreme deserts and high altitude regions where insects are scarce. These include honeycreepers, honeyeaters, orioles, parrots, spiderhunters, sugarbirds, sunbirds, white-eyes, and hummingbirds, which service thousands of plant species across the Americas. At high elevations, especially in tropical cloud forests, hummingbirds are more effective pollinators than bees because they are less hindered by humid conditions and low temperatures. But hummingbird pollination is also widely reported in temperate zones where bees predominate.

In North America alone, scientists have documented 70 plant lineages which have switched from bee to hummingbird pollination by evolving elaborate traits to attract hummingbirds. This is why it is extremely important to conserve the native biodiversity of an ecosystem. If a hummingbird loses the plant it has co-evolved with, it can no longer survive and vice-versa.

Follow these four simple steps to help birds survive and thrive: (1) grow pollinator-friendly flowers, (2) provide nest sites, (3) avoid pesticides, and (4) spread the word.