Collection Inspiration: Hummingbirds
Posted on 9/24/2024
National Hummingbird Day in the United States, observed in early September, celebrates these remarkable birds and their ecological significance. Hummingbirds have also found a place on world banknotes, symbolizing both the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation.
Several nations, mostly in the tropics, depict hummingbirds on their currency to highlight their vibrant colors and ecological roles, such as pollination. Their inclusion on banknotes often reflects national pride in their unique biodiversity and a commitment to preserving these amazing creatures, which serve as symbols of natural heritage and environmental awareness on a global scale.
Ten banknotes featuring hummingbirds
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Netherlands Antilles 2016 10 Gulden — Purple-throated Carib
The Purple-throated Carib, featured on this Netherlands Antilles note, is a striking hummingbird species found in the Lesser Antilles at the eastern end of the Caribbean. It is renowned for its iridescent green body, contrasting with a deep purple throat that glows in sunlight. Males and females of the species exhibit a fascinating form of sexual dimorphism, with females having a longer, more curved bill to access different flowers. Known for its territorial behavior, the Purple-throated Carib aggressively defends its feeding areas, playing a crucial role in pollination.
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Aruba 2019 200 Florin — Ruby Topaz Hummingbird
This banknote from Aruba prominently features the Crested caracara, a type of falcon. Also shown on the front of the note is a Ruby Topaz Hummingbird, featured on the Aruba Pick 25, which is a small, vividly colored bird native to tropical regions of northern South America and the Caribbean. Known for its iridescent ruby-red crown and golden-yellow throat, the male Ruby Topaz displays striking plumage that shimmers in sunlight, while the female is more subdued in color. These hummingbirds, known for their agility and rapid flight, are often seen darting between flowers as they feed on nectar, playing a vital role in pollination. Despite their small size, Ruby Topaz Hummingbirds are known for their territorial nature and dazzling displays of speed and agility in flight.
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Eastern Caribbean States ND (2019) 10 Dollars — Green-throated Carib
The Green-throated Carib, featured on this Eastern Caribbean States note, is a vibrant hummingbird species native to the Caribbean, including the Lesser Antilles, and parts of northern South America. Its striking appearance includes a shimmering green throat, dark iridescent body and a slightly curved bill, which it uses to feed on nectar from a variety of tropical flowers. Known for its agility and territorial behavior, this hummingbird plays a vital role in pollinating the plants in its habitat.
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Trinidad and Tobago 20 Dollars — White-tailed Sabrewing Hummingbird
The White-tailed Sabrewing Hummingbird, featured on this Trinidad and Tobago note, is found in Tobago and Venezuela. These birds are distinguished by their size, vibrant iridescent feathers and their strong, curved bills. The name "sabrewing" comes from the males' unique, slightly curved wing feathers that resemble sabers. Known for their graceful flight and territorial behavior, they feed primarily on nectar, playing an essential role in pollination.
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Costa Rica 2012 20,000 Colones — Volcano Hummingbird
The Volcano Hummingbird on this Costa Rica note is found in the Central American country, including near two of its active volcanoes. Weighing less than a tenth of an ounce, these birds are known for their rapid, agile flight. Males are particularly striking with their glittering throat patches.
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Suriname 2000 100 Gulden — Long-tailed Hermit
The Long-tailed Hermit on this Suriname note is found in that South American nation and several of its neighbors near the equator. About 6 inches long and weighing about a quarter ounce, they inhabit forest undergrowth. The slightly smaller females build the nests, lay the eggs and feed the young.
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Brazil ND (1993) 100 Cruzeiros Reais — Sapphire-spangled Emerald
Native to parts of South America, including portions of Brazil, the Sapphire-spangled Emerald is about 3 to 4 inches long and weighs about a sixth of an ounce. There are three subspecies, in which the color varies, but males have more vibrant color. The text on the front of the note next to this bird says “beija-flor,” which is the Portuguese word for hummingbird and literally means “flower kisser.”
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Peru 2019 100 Soles — Marvelous Spatuletail
Also known as by its scientific name Loddigesia mirabilis, the Marvelous Spatuletail is featured on this Peru note. This extraordinary hummingbird endemic to the Andean cloud forests of northern Peru is an endangered species. It is renowned for the males’ remarkable tail feathers, which end in large, spatula-shaped tips and are used in elaborate courtship displays. The species is dependent on specific flowering plants for nectar and threatened by deforestation.
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Bolivia 1986 (ND 2018) 10 Bolivianos — Picaflor Gigante
These hummingbirds, once considered a single species, are now divided into two that are the largest and second-largest hummingbird species in the world. They are found in the high Andean regions of South America. They can reach up to 9 inches in length and almost an ounce in weight, roughly 10 times as much as the smallest hummingbird, the bee hummingbird.
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England 2000 (ND 2012) 10 Pounds — Hummingbirds and Charles Darwin
This banknote from England features a striking image of a hummingbird, which was included to honor Charles Darwin's contributions to evolutionary biology. However, this depiction sparked controversy because hummingbirds are not mentioned in Darwin's seminal work, On the Origin of Species. The banknote's choice to highlight a bird not covered in Darwin's book has led to debates about the accuracy and appropriateness of using the hummingbird as a symbol of Darwin’s theories. Critics argue that this choice might obscure the specific scientific context of Darwin's work, while supporters view it as a broader tribute to evolutionary science and the diverse avian species that have inspired further research. Darwin was replaced on the 10 Pound note in 2017 by author Jane Austen.
If these notes inspired you, check out our other Collection Inspiration columns for more collecting ideas, including ones on eagles, parrots and butterflies. Also, be sure to follow PMG on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for articles and interesting notes posted daily.
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