Anna's Hummingbird

Everything about a Hummingbirds physiology is fascinating to me. They are truly unique creatures. One lesser known fact is that they are capable of entering a state of Torpor (similar to hibernation) during periods of physical stress in winter. During these periods, hummingbirds can significantly reduce their body temperature, lower their breathing and metabolic rates in an effort to conserve energy through cold snaps. They can even stop breathing for a full 5 minutes at a time. While every other west coast hummingbird species travel south to Sourthern California/Mexico for winter, these hardy Anna's hummingbirds winter as far north as Seattle.

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