The Hummingbird: The Canadian Forest's Miniscule Miracle

In Portuguese, they are known as beija-flores or "flower-kissers." Early Spanish explorers called them joyas voladoras or "flying jewels." Native to North and South America, hummingbirds are the smallest and among the most fascinating birds in the world.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) depicted on this extraordinary gold coin is one ofCanada's most common hummingbird species. Measuring 7 to 9 centimetres (2.75 to 3.5 inches) and weighing 3 to 4 grams (.10 to .14 ounces), it is about the size of a large moth. In fact, its proximity in size to insects can present a predatory threat: hummingbirds are known to become caught in spider webs.

Like many North American bird species, Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate in late summer and early autumn to wintering grounds in Central America. Early observers of the species could not believe that such a tiny animal could successfully travel great distances by itself-including approximately 800 kilometres (497miles) across the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, the legend was that they travelled literally on the backs of other migrating birds, like Canada geese. Today, we know that hummingbirds do indeed make the entire two-week flight, including a twenty-hour flight across the Gulf of Mexico, without assistance from other birds.

This coin is the first issue of the Small animals collection.
Thefirst coin of the series, released in 2013, depicts the Hummingbird.
The second coin of th series, released in 2014, depict the Chipmunk.
The third coin of th series, released in 2015, depict the Rock Rabbit.

SMALL ANIMALS - HUMMINGBIRD - 2013 CANADIAN COINS 01 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 07- PURE GOLD and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.