Unmatched Flight Abilities Hummingbirds are the only birds capable of hovering in mid-air. They can fly forwards, backwards, and even upside down.
Tiny Yet Mighty Despite their small size, with some species weighing less than a penny, hummingbirds have an immense amount of energy and stamina.
Incredible Speed Some species of hummingbirds can fly at speeds up to 60 miles per hour in a straight line, making them one of the fastest birds relative to size.
Colorful Plumage Hummingbirds possess some of the most vibrant, iridescent feathers in the animal kingdom.
Impressive Migratory Journey Certain species of hummingbirds migrate thousands of miles each year. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, for example, travels from North America to Central America, a non-stop journey over the Gulf of Mexico that can take up to 18 hours.
Advanced Memory and Navigation Hummingbirds have excellent memories and can remember the locations of individual flowers and feeders. They also know when those flowers are most likely to be replenished with nectar.
High Heart Rate and Energy Demand A hummingbird’s heart rate can exceed 1,200 beats per minute when in flight, and their body temperature can drop at night to conserve energy.