Velvet-purple Coronet Photograph by Luis A. Mazariegos
Pollen grains decorate the crown of a male resting on a bromeliad in Ecuador, evidence of the bird's value as a reliable pollinator. Hummingbirds spend almost 80 percent of their waking hours perched like this to conserve energy. During chilly nights they can also enter torpor, a state in which their body temperature can drop more than 40°F (22°C), curbing their need for food until dawn. "Hummingbirds are incredibly flexible and adaptable," says ornithologist Karl Schuchmann. "That's the secret of their success."
Camera: Fujichrome Finepix S3 Format: Digital Lens: 60mm macro Speed and F-Stop: 1/125 @ f/32
Weather Conditions: Overcast Time of Day: Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Lighting Techniques: Flash Special Equipment: Portable studio with a modified Norman 200B flash system
