Abstract
The family Trochilidae is extremely
diverse. Such attributes as plumage
differences (some species are rather
drab coloured where as others have
spectacular iridescent plumage
and/or ornamentation) is well documented.
However, certain attributes
are not so well known and it is my
intention to discuss some of these
lesser known facts.
As I shall mention whether or not
certain species under discussion can
be established in captivity, I feel I
should explain exactly what I mean
by this. In my opinion a hummingbird
cannot be considered established
until it has undergone at least one full
moult in captivity. The true character
of a species often does not become
apparent until it has been fully
moulted. Once the moult is completed,
many species which, up until
then, have proven docile, may
become extremely aggressive and
remain so for the remainder of their
lives. Certain species which have not
been heard to sing will, after the
crucial first moult, become vocal.
Furthermore, many species, once
established, may perform sexual
displays hitherto not seen.
Not all species alter so dramatically
after the first moult; indeed many
easily managed hummingbirds, once
they have settled into their quarters,
will be heard to sing regularly and
many will often display. Even so, the
true character of such species may
become more pronounced after the
first full moult in captivity.