Joey Jones
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Hummingbirds are birds native to the Americas and comprise the biological family Trochilidae. With approximately 366 species and 113 genera, [1] they occur from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but most species are found in Central and South America. [2] .
Jun 21, 2024 · Learn about hummingbirds, small, often brightly coloured birds of the family Trochilidae, with about 320 species in the New World. Find out their characteristics, distribution, behaviour, and watch videos of their courtship and feeding.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Learn about the hummingbird, a small and speedy bird that feeds on nectar and insects. Find out its description, distribution, behavior, reproduction, and cultural significance.
Learn about hummingbirds, the tiny, pugnacious, jewel-like birds that are the only vertebrates capable of sustained hovering. Discover their superlatives, adaptations, life cycle, and where they live in the New World.
- Hummingbirds Really Do Hum. Hummingbirds hum, but the sound isn't from their voices. The hum comes from their rapid wing movements — the smaller the hummingbird, the faster the wingbeat.
- They Can Hover. Hummingbirds can fly not only up and down but sideways and even upside down. They beat their wings in a figure-eight pattern similar to insects, making them the only vertebrates capable of sustained hovering.
- Many Species Migrate. Most hummingbird species migrate and do so alone. Contrary to the urban legend, they don't hitch rides on migrating Canada geese.
- The Smallest Bird Is a Hummingbird. Cuba's bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world. It is around 2 inches long and weighs less than a dime at only 2 grams.
Hummingbirds are marvels of the sky, famed for their unique and impressive flying abilities. They may be the world’s smallest birds, but there is no risk of them flying under the radar thanks to their eye-catchingly colourful plumage.
Learn how fast a hummingbird's wings beat and where to see in the wild in BBC Wildlife expert hummingbird guide.
