Lilac-throated hummingbird (SciiFii)

The lilac-throated hummingbird (Selasphorus syringa) is a species of hummingbird, most closely related to the calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. An adult lilac-throated hummingbird can measure 7–10 centimeters (2.8–3.9 inches) in length, span 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) across the wings and weigh 2 to 3 grams (0.071 to 0.106 oz). Lilac-throated hummingbirds have glossy green on the back and crown with white underparts. The adult male has indigo patches on the gorget, olive green flanks and a dark tail. Females and immatures have a pinkish wash on the flanks, dark streaks on the throat and a dark tail with white tips. Unlike the closely-related calliope hummingbird, the more widespread lilac-throated hummingbird is not migratory and goes into torpor during the winter, being more tolerant to freezing temperatures. The lilac-throated hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers using a long extendable tongue, drink sap from holes created by sapsuckers/sapsucker toothbirds or catch insects on the wing. While collecting nectar, they also assist in plant pollination. Adult males usually arrive on the breeding ground before females, from mid-April to early May. The male claims and vigorously defends a nesting territory in which he will breed with many females. The male takes no part in raising the young and often actually vacates the breeding grounds by the time the young hatch. The female usually builds an open cup nest in a conifer tree (pine tree, etc) under an overhanging branch, though apple, orange, banana, mulberry, fig, and alder trees have also been used. The nest is often built on the base of large pine cones and somewhat resembles a pine cone itself. A nest may be used repeatedly over the course of several years. Two or three eggs are laid from late May to early July and are incubated for 15 to 16 days. The young are capable of flight about 20 days after hatching. The conservation status of the lilac-throated hummingbird is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the lilac-throated hummingbird's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.