MadSci Network: General Biology
Query:

Re: How might a hummingbird become naturally mummified in my garage?

Date: Mon Jan 10 14:37:32 2011
Posted By: Royce Moncur, Staff, General Science and Environment, Outside Input School Services
Area of science: General Biology
ID: 1291516508.Gb
Message:

Hi Caitie.

Your bird will have died with its wings outspread. I have no idea what caused its death, but having died in that position it would have been ideal for preservation.

In your garage at that height it would have been warm and dry. No insects or bacteria attacked it before the little body dried out. As soon as it did dry out, it became unattractive to the bugs that normally decompose a dead body.

If you have a close look at the little bird you will find that although the feathers give it a 'full' look, the body will be dry and wrinkeled.

A hummingbird has such a small body with hollow bones and feathers that there is very little to attract anything for food, and so it had a chance to dry out and 'mummify'.

Cheers, Royce [PS.. my daughter's name is Caitie too!]


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