Aerodynamics

"Fast Flier"    

One characteristic that sets hummingbirds aside from all other birds is their amazing flying ability.  They can fly backwards and upside down, and are the only birds that can flap their wings and stay in the same spot.  So how do they achieve this amazing feat of hovering?  It's all about the unique movement of their wings.  They flap them horizontally in the shape of a figure 8, varying the angle with each flap.  The bird strokes with power on both the down beat and the up beat of the wing flap.  They also expand and contract their tail feathers to aid in hovering.

With an average wing speed of 50 beats/second, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird has been clocked at an average speed of 30 miles per hour.  During courtship their wing speed can reach 200 beats/second and they can get up to speeds of 45 miles per hour during their courtship dives.

The humming sound that gives hummingbirds their name is produced by their rapid wing beat.  Click below to view a hummingbird's wings flap at rates of 40 - 80 beats/second!!  ["QuickTime" is required to view this video]

                                                               Hummingbird Wing Audio