Pollination
As they fly about in search of sweet nectar, hummingbirds pollinate the flowers they visit.
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Types of Pollinators
Bees share the job of pollinating. Some plants are pollinated by other animals, wind or water. Plant flowers have adapted to the different pollinators.
Birds
Some birds, especially hummingbirds, pollinate plants. The plants that attract birds are generally brightly coloured, with red, orange or yellow flowers, but are often odourless, since birds have a poor sense of smell. The flowers are often long and tubular, with lots of nectar, and are sturdy enough for perching on.
Other Animals
Many animals that pollinate plants, such as bats, are nocturnal, meaning "active at night," and so the flowers that need to attract them often have a strong smell, but may not be too colourful.
Wind
The wind pollinates many plants. Usually they have less colourful, unscented flowers and do not produce nectar. The stamens and pistils of these plants are often long. Their pollen is usually lighter in weight than other plant pollen. The wind carries the pollen from one plant to another.
Water
A small number of plants, particularly those in rivers and streams, are pollinated by water.
