Article 57XPY Hummingbird's temperature can fall to 3.3C at night to preserve energy

Hummingbird's temperature can fall to 3.3C at night to preserve energy

by
Nicola Davis
from on (#57XPY)

Researchers in Andes find temperature a record for all birds and non-hibernating mammals

Hummingbirds have scooped another record: they are not only tiny but can reach body temperatures below that of any non-hibernating mammal and any other bird.

The hummingbird is among a number of small creatures, including certain bats, that can enter a state known as daily torpor, a phenomenon where they turn down their metabolism and body temperature to save energy.

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