Hummingbirds often stir intense fascination among nature lovers for their vibrant plumage. Some persons have even compared hummingbirds to lovable fairies.

These apparently harmless birds, however, have a violent streak not often observed.

Researchers from the University of Connecticut closely studying male hummingbirds during their mating season found hummingbird males fence one another using their sharp, sword-like beaks to win the right to court a female.

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Some might think this a bit romantic but this friendly competition turns bloody and deadly as these delicate birds jab and thrust their beaks into each other's throats, going for the kill.

Experts are now studying the implications of this violent behavior that should provide clues about the evolution of aggressive bird species.

Lead researcher Alejandro Rico-Guevara said birds' beaks are examples of adaptation through natural selection. This is the first evidence, however, of bills or beaks shaped for sexual selection and used in male to male combat.

This study also said the male long-billed hermit must earn the right to mate by a beak duel with another male. The male long-billed hermit is a tropical hummingbird indigenous to Costa Rica and courts lady hummingbirds with its flashy plumage and singing.

Rico-Guevara and his team also observed how male and female hummingbirds feed differently with their beaks. As male birds become adults, their elongated beaks become much sharper than those of females to stab other males in the throat with one quick, powerful jab.

This study about the blood thirsty attitude of the delicate male hummingbird was published in the journal, Behavioral Ecology.

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