Mellisuga helenae, the smallest bird in the world and the story you didn’t know (recharged video)

Описание: In this video, you will learn the complete story of Mellisuga helenae, the smallest bird in the world and one of Cuba’s most extraordinary biological treasures. Its tiny size is only the beginning: behind the bee hummingbird lies a fascinating narrative that blends science, exploration, friendship, and memory.

Discover how the German-born Cuban naturalist Johannes Christoph Gundlach encountered this almost unreal hummingbird in 1844, how his notes became essential for its study, and why the ornithologist Juan Lembeye officially described the species in 1850. You will also learn the origin of the name helenae, dedicated to Helena Booth, a key figure in Gundlach’s life.

The video also explores the bee hummingbird’s unique biology—its astonishing physiology, courtship behavior, tiny nest, species ecology, and role as a pollinator—as well as the current threats that keep it classified as Near Threatened (NT) by the IUCN.

If you are passionate about extraordinary species, natural history, and stories that blend emotion with science, this video is for you.

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