Hummingbirds are known for their ability to fly backward and hover, their exceptionally fast wing beats and heart rates, and their high metabolism that requires constant feeding.
These tiny birds, which are the smallest in the world, also possess excellent memory and vision, with some species migrating thousands of miles each year on their own.
– Unique Flight Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward, hover in mid-air, and change direction almost instantly.
– Fast Wing Beats Their wings beat up to 80 times per second, or even faster during dives, creating the signature humming sound that gives them their name.
– Rapid Metabolism They have the fastest metabolic rate of any vertebrate, so they need to eat every 10 minutes to survive.
– High-Speed Heartbeat A hummingbird's heart can beat up to 1,260 times per minute to sustain their incredibly high energy demands.
– Tiny Size On average, a hummingbird weighs less than a U.S. nickel.
– Poor Leg Function Their small, weak legs are only for perching and moving sideways, as they cannot walk or hop.