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Question:
How many feathers does a Ruby-throated hummingbird have on its whole body?

Replies:
According to an old source, Cruikshank's "1001 Questions Answered About Birds" (1958) a hummingbird in summer might have about 1,500 feathers. Count will vary by season, size, and possible age of the bird, and will likely be considerably higher in winter.

J. Elliott

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