Humming Birds Hummingbirds are the smallest bird species found in the world. They can hover, fly backwards and at times upside-down! Their wings beat up to seventy-eight times per second. They feed from flowers that contain nectar to support their aerial acrobatics and rapid metabolism. In addition, they eat insects to fulfill their need for protein. Hummingbirds must eat often and may die quickly if no food source is available. Across North America, an estimated 100 million to one billion birds die each year after colliding with human-built structures. The reflective and transparent characteristics of glass make windows invisible killers. Birds see a tree reflected in a window or a plant behind it, not the glass. A large percentage of injured hummingbirds seen by Project Wildlife are a result from window strikes. Cat Caught Hummingbirds Its estimated that cats kill hundreds of millions of birds each year in this country. Due to the flying agility of a hummingbird, one would think they would not be easy targets for cats, but this is not the case. Project Wildlife receives hundreds of hummingbirds every year that are cat caught. Many times the hummingbird has actually struck a window initially and then been discovered on the ground by a cat. It is not unusual for the cat to bring the injured hummingbird into the house to the owners dismay. The bite of a cat can be VERY infective and deadly to all birds. More often than not, hummingbirds need to be treated with medication to counteract the deadly saliva which can contain up to 60 different types of bacteria. Sick Hummingbirds Hummingbirds can suffer from illnesses in the wild. Common ailments include fungal infections and the avian pox virus. Fungal infections can result in black bulbous growths on the bill. The bill looks thickened and many times the tongue will be thick and white, instead of its normal transparent appearance. Avian pox presents with cauliflower like looking growths at the base of the bill, around the eyes, under the wings and on the legs and feet. Normally, a hummingbird that is ill can be identified by its appearance. During the day, healthy hummingbirds should be be alert and actively preening, vocalizing, flying and defending territories. Hummingbirds that are seen constantly perching on a feeder, have body feathers that are puffed out like a cotton ball (during the day), eyes closed or have tongues extending out of their bills are most likely unhealthy birds. Hummingbirds showing any of these signs will most likely need treatment by a wildlife rehabilitator/center as soon as possible. The most important thing one can do for these birds is to provide heat and food.