The bee hummingbird, known scientifically as Mellisuga helenae, holds the title for the world's smallest bird and is native to Cuba
This tiny avian can be found not only on the main island of Cuba but also on Isla de la Juventud, the second-largest Cuban island and the seventh-largest in the West Indies
Bee hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar collected from flowers, utilizing their needle-like beaks to suck nectar, mainly from ten plant species, nine of which are native to Cuba
With an average length of 55 mm and weighing 1.95 grams, male bee hummingbirds are smaller and lighter than females, who measure about 61 mm and weigh 2.6 grams
The male bee hummingbird's average weight is considered to be the lowest weight limit for any warm-blooded animal
Unlike other hummingbirds, bee hummingbirds feature rounded tails and narrow wings, making them appear plumper and more rounded
They have straight and short beaks, optimized for nectar consumption from flowers, distinguishing them from other hummingbird species
Male bee hummingbirds are characterized by metallic blue-green upperparts and dark flight feathers, while females have pale grey underparts and iridescent green upperparts
Female bee hummingbirds are identifiable by white tips on the outer rectrices, a feature that helps differentiate them from non-breeding males
Despite their size, bee hummingbirds play a significant role in pollination, contributing to the biodiversity of their native habitats in Cuba