Hummingbird hovering flower

Hummingbirds are the only birds capable of flying backward and hovering mid-air, feeding on flower nectar with their specialized tongues.

About this subject

Hummingbirds are small birds native to the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but most species live in tropical regions. With over 360 species identified, they exhibit remarkable diversity in size, color, and behavior. Their most distinctive trait is the ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings in a figure-eight pattern, generating lift on both the forward and backward strokes. This allows them to fly backward, upside down, and even hover in place with precision. The wingbeat frequency ranges from 12 beats per second in giant hummingbirds to 80 per second in the smallest species.

Their diet consists mainly of nectar, which provides the high energy needed for their active lifestyle. To access nectar, they have long, slender bills and extendable, forked tongues that trap liquid. They visit hundreds of flowers daily and are key pollinators for many plants, including those with tubular blossoms such as trumpet creeper and salvia. Some plants, like the passionflower, have evolved exclusive relationships with specific hummingbird species. In addition to nectar, they consume insects and spiders for protein, especially during breeding season.

The smallest bird in the world is the bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae), found in Cuba, weighing only about 2 grams. At the other end, the giant hummingbird (Patagona gigas) reaches 20 grams. Hummingbirds have an exceptional memory for locations of food sources and can remember which flowers they have visited. Their high metabolism forces them to enter a state of torpor at night to conserve energy, reducing their heart rate and body temperature drastically. Some species, like the rufous hummingbird, undertake remarkable migrations covering thousands of kilometers, flying non-stop over open water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do hummingbirds flap their wings?

Wingbeat frequency varies by species, from about 12 beats per second in larger hummingbirds to 80 per second in the smallest species.

What do hummingbirds eat besides nectar?

They also eat small insects and spiders for protein, especially during breeding season and to feed their young.

Do hummingbirds migrate?

Yes, many species migrate long distances. The rufous hummingbird travels up to 4,000 kilometers from Alaska to Mexico, including a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.