Pollination and Fertilization

Pollination by Birds

Many species of small birds, such as the hummingbird (Figure) and sun birds, are pollinators for plants such as orchids and other wildflowers. Flowers visited by birds are usually sturdy and are oriented in such a way as to allow the birds to stay near the flower without getting their wings entangled in the nearby flowers. The flower typically has a curved, tubular shape, which allows access for the bird’s beak. Brightly colored, odorless flowers that are open during the day are pollinated by birds. As a bird seeks energy-rich nectar, pollen is deposited on the bird’s head and neck and is then transferred to the next flower it visits. Botanists have been known to determine the range of extinct plants by collecting and identifying pollen from 200-year-old bird specimens from the same site.

 Photo depicts a hummingbird drinking nectar from a flower.
Hummingbirds have adaptations that allow them to reach the nectar of certain tubular flowers. (credit: Lori Branham)