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Vervain hummingbird, Mellisuga minima
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Vervain hummingbird, Mellisuga minima
Vervain hummingbird, Mellisuga minima. Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder. Handcolored copperplate engraving from George Shaw and Frederick Nodders The Naturalists Miscellany, London, 1800
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Media ID 14218721
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Fredericknodder Georgeshaw Naturalhistory Richardpolydorenodder Thenaturalistsmiscellany
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This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving depicts the Vervain Hummingbird, Mellisuga minima, a tiny and vibrant creature native to the Caribbean and Central America. The image is taken from George Shaw and Frederick Nodder's seminal work, "The Naturalist's Miscellany," published in London in 1800. The engraving was meticulously drawn and engraved by the skilled hand of Richard Polydore Nodder, showcasing the intricate details of the hummingbird's iridescent plumage, delicate wings, and distinctive beak. The Vervain Hummingbird is the smallest extant hummingbird species, with males measuring only 2.2 inches in length and weighing around 0.05 ounces. Females are slightly larger, measuring 2.4 inches in length and weighing around 0.07 ounces. This diminutive hummingbird is named for the vervain plant, which is its primary food source. The Vervain Hummingbird is a vital component of its ecosystem, playing a crucial role in pollinating various plants. Its unique ability to hover in mid-air, achieved through rapid wing flapping, enables it to reach nectar deep within flowers, ensuring cross-pollination and the continuation of plant species. This beautiful engraving is a testament to the natural history and zoology of the early 19th century, providing a glimpse into the natural world as it was documented and understood during this period. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and studying the natural world, as well as the beauty and intricacy of the natural world itself.
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