Humming along

The fiery-throated hummingbird is one of roughly 360 species of hummingbird worldwide, all of which are crucial to healthy ecosystems. Many flowers, like this hot pink foxglove, have evolved funnel-shaped blooms specifically to attract these fast flappers. While large insects like bumblebees can't always squeeze into the tubular blossoms, hummingbirds can plunge their long, narrow bills inside to feed on nectar that accumulates deep at the base. They spread pollen from flower to flower this way, enabling the plants to propagate, resulting in more tasty nectar. Now that's sustainable cuisine!