This is a white chested emerald. And yes, that is its tongue. Previously thought to suck up liquid via capillary action, ornithologists recently discovered through high speed video that hummingbirds actually use their long tongues to trap nectar by curling around it. This guy was at rest and obviously not sucking up nectar, so was probably just cleaning his tongue. Either that or he didn’t like getting his picture taken. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 500, f/4 at 1/500th of a second
Thanks Sue. I saw that tongue starting to flit in and out a few times and I started snapping away. Luckily I was able to get one with it fully extended.
Oh what a tongue, and I thought the guy in “Kiss” had a long tongue! Great capture Sean. I’m not long home from Sydney, and where I was staying friendly Lorakeets came to visit. I was fortunate to get some really close-up shots about 250mm away. One day I got some bread and two of them followed me in to the fridge and perched on my hand and shoulder. An amazing photographic opportunity. Such gorgeous colours.
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This is a white chested emerald. And yes, that is its tongue. Previously thought to suck up liquid via capillary action, ornithologists recently discovered through high speed video that hummingbirds actually use their long tongues to trap nectar by curling around it. This guy was at rest and obviously not sucking up nectar, so was probably just cleaning his tongue. Either that or he didn’t like getting his picture taken.
Outrageous capture, Sean!
Thanks Sue. I saw that tongue starting to flit in and out a few times and I started snapping away. Luckily I was able to get one with it fully extended.
oh what a great straw, ) great pic. oh what beaful bird, that God has created, for us to enjoyed here on earth.
Not torpor yet a pause
Critical tool examined
A heart needs find rest .
Oh what a tongue, and I thought the guy in “Kiss” had a long tongue! Great capture Sean. I’m not long home from Sydney, and where I was staying friendly Lorakeets came to visit. I was fortunate to get some really close-up shots about 250mm away. One day I got some bread and two of them followed me in to the fridge and perched on my hand and shoulder. An amazing photographic opportunity. Such gorgeous colours.
Oh this is so great!!!!
Very cool! I like this bird.
Eat your heart out, Miley Cyrus!