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Hummingbirds

  The hummingbird is one of the most unique birds in the world. Found only in the Americas, there are more than 300 species. They are capable and known for their ability to fly at high speeds, fly backwards, forwards, and sideways. They can stop immediately, mid-flight, at high speeds and can take off at high speeds. Their wings beat in a figure 8 pattern at up to 55 beats per second. They fly everywhere as they cannot walk. The figure 8 pattern denotes infinity, linking the past to the future and cause to effect. This is symbolic of finding joy and sweetness in any situation, and finding as much happiness and grabbing it while you can.
  These minute birds fly from flower to flower, drinking nectar with their long tongues, while airborne, helping the flowers pollinate as they go. They expend a great amount on energy so they need to eat 50-60 meals a day. They drink nectar and eat small insects. They can eat for days and hibernate over night, storing energy before migrating, to help them last through a long flight. It is believed in some cultures that the hummingbird understands and uses the powers of flowers for healing and for love potions. They find many kinds of sweetness in many different forms and colors, symbolic for meeting many people and situations finding joy and sweetness in most.
  Hummingbirds love water and bathe frequently. They also perform "anting", a ritual many birds use to help rid themselves of mites and other parasites. They position themselves over an ants nest or line of foraging ants, . The bird picks up the ants and rubs the any bodies against their feathers. This releases formic acid from the ants, helping to kill the parasites.
  During the mating season, the males attack each other in high speed air battles and they guard their food sources with vigilance and great spirit. Their agility and precision in flight makes them almost fearless and they have been known to chase larger birds, even raptors. During the rest of the year, mock battles are flown for exercise and fun.
  Female hummingbirds are extremely creative in building and designing their nests. Each nest is unique and intricate. The females are excellent mothers and receive no help in rearing their young--making them fiercely independent.
If the hummingbird is your totem, it is wise to watch your sugar levels and make sure that you get plenty of rest as you expend a lot of energy each day.
  The hummingbirds iridescent colors are said to be bestowed from the rainbow, promising health, wealth and good fortune after every rain. Many cultures believe they are from the Fairy realm and their tireless energy brings love and happiness to all who admire them.