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Image: John C. Stroud

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures; anyone who’s had a bird feeder frequented by hummingbirds can attest to that. They may be among the smallest of birds but can do things other birds cannot do – fly backwards, for example. Even the slowest hummingbird still flaps its wings 12 times per second (not minute) and the fastest 90 times per second! No wonder then that they look like they have no wings when captured on film. Here are some fascinating images of hummingbirds feeding and hovering.

The smallest hummingbird species is the Bee Hummingbird which, at 2.25 inches and 2.2 g, is really not much larger than a bee. The largest species, the Giant hummingbird, is at 8 inches still smaller than many other birds.

Acrobatic looking hummingbird:

Image: Richard Toller

Hummingbirds can fly at speeds of up to 54km/h (34mph) and their hearts beat up to 1,260 beats per minute. Like many creatures with a rapid metabolism and hectic lifestyle, hummingbirds have a short lifespan. Many die during the first year itself but those who do make it beyond have an average lifespan of 3 to 4 years.

How difficult it is to even slow down to gather nectar is shown in the hummingbird sequence below, featuring what looks like a Black-chinned hummingbird. Congratulations to Flickr user Jerry Raia who captured this truly fascinating glimpse of hummingbird life:

Lalala, here I come:

Time to step on the brakes:

So close, let’s get that long bill in place:

Success! Yummy:

The Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a real trouper who can travel up to 500 miles in a single day during migration. To have strength for this enormous feat, it almost has to double its weight. No wonder then that this nectar feeder temporarily supplements its diet with protein and fat sources like spiders, flies, gnats and aphids.

Race for the flower or the bee?

Image: John C. Stroud

Almost vertical – hummingbird feeding:

Lorna Mitchell

Here’s an incredible slow-motion video of a hummingbird feeding that still looks pretty fast:

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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