JOURNAL ARTICLE

This fuzzy hummingbird chick may be in disguise—as a caterpillar.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Stokstad, Erik 3 of 3

Abstract

Researchers in a Panama rainforest discovered a white-necked jacobin hummingbird chick that resembled a caterpillar when it hatched, displaying a rare example of defensive mimicry in birds known as Batesian mimicry. The chick's appearance and behavior, such as shaking its head like a caterpillar, may serve as a defense mechanism against predators. This unique adaptation is thought to have evolved due to the hummingbird's exposed nest location, making it more vulnerable to predators like snakes and monkeys. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/03, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:183979795
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