Hummingbirds are known for their extraordinary flight capabilities, including their unique ability to fly backwards. Unlike many bird-related myths, this particular belief is entirely true. Hummingbirds are indeed capable of backward flight, a remarkable skill that sets them apart from almost all other bird species. To better understand, let's look at the mechanics behind this ability and see why hummingbirds are such exceptional fliers.

The key to a hummingbird's aerial prowess lies in its wings and the way it flaps them. Unlike most birds, which primarily use up-and-down wing strokes to generate lift and thrust, hummingbirds employ a figure-eight motion with their wings. This motion allows them to produce lift on both the upstroke and downstroke, enabling them to hover in place with pinpoint accuracy. 

When a hummingbird wants to fly backwards, it simply adjusts the angle of its wings and the direction of its wingbeats. By reversing the direction of the figure-eight motion, hummingbirds can generate thrust in the opposite direction, propelling themselves backward. This adaptation is particularly useful when navigating tight spaces, such as when they are feeding on nectar from flowers or avoiding obstacles in dense foliage.

The ability to fly backwards is not the only impressive aspect of hummingbird flight. These tiny birds can also hover, fly sideways, and perform rapid, acrobatic maneuvers. Their flight muscles are incredibly powerful, making up 25-30% of their body weight, which is significantly more than the flight muscle mass of most other birds. This muscle power, combined with their rapid wingbeats—ranging up to 80 beats per second—allows hummingbirds to execute their complex flight patterns with ease.

Backward flight is crucial for hummingbirds' feeding habits. These birds primarily feed on nectar, which they extract from flowers using their long, specialized bills and extendable tongues. When feeding, hummingbirds often need to hover in front of flowers and occasionally move backward to position themselves correctly or retreat from a flower they have finished feeding from.

If you've ever watched a hummingbird feeding, you have probably seen this behavior and not even realized it, because it happens fast and naturally. The hummingbird simply zips from flower to flower (or nectar port to nectar port on a feeder), and in the process ends up moving backwards as it goes between the blossoms. This ability to maneuver with such precision is essential for ease of feeding, and thus their survival, as it enables them to efficiently exploit a wide range of floral resources.

Myth: Confirmed!

The myth that hummingbirds can fly backwards is not a myth at all but a fascinating fact. Their unique wing structure and powerful flight muscles enable them to perform a range of impressive aerial maneuvers, including backward flight. This remarkable skill is just one of the many adaptations that make hummingbirds such captivating and extraordinary creatures.

Thanks for following along for our celebration of hummingbirds here at Birdorable during Hummingbird Week, in conjunction with Pollinator Week! We hope you enjoyed the new additions to Birdorable's hummingbird family and that you learned something about these tiny feathered jewels!

As our Hummingbird Week 2024 starts to wind down, we are proud to introduce the smallest breeding bird of North America to our Birdorable family-- it's the Calliope Hummingbird!

The Calliope Hummingbird is a marvel in the bird world despite its small size. Named after Calliope, the muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology, this tiny bird packs a punch with its vibrant plumage and dynamic behavior. During the breeding season, these little ones are found primarily in the western United States and parts of Canada. They winter in Mexico. The Calliope Hummingbird is the world's smallest long-distance migratory bird.

First and foremost, the Calliope Hummingbird holds the title of the smallest breeding bird in North America. Measuring up to just 3.9 inches (10cm) in length and typically weighing less than 0.1 oz (2 to 3 grams), it’s hard to believe how much energy and beauty can be contained in such a tiny package. Despite its small stature, the Calliope Hummingbird exhibits incredible flying abilities, capable of hovering in place and performing swift aerial maneuvers with ease.

One of the most striking features of the Calliope Hummingbird is its vibrant plumage, especially in males. Adult males are adorned with a striking magenta streaked gorget, or throat patch, which can appear almost iridescent in the sunlight. The rest of their body is mostly green with white underparts, creating a beautiful contrast. Females and juveniles, while less colorful, still display a delicate beauty with their green backs and subtle buffy flanks.

The Calliope Hummingbird’s diet consists mainly of nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They have a particular affinity for tubular flowers, which complement their long, slender bills. In addition to nectar, they also feed on small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins. This varied diet helps maintain their high metabolism and energy levels required for their active lifestyle.

During the breeding season, the Calliope Hummingbird showcases some fascinating behaviors. Males perform a unique courtship display to attract females, involving extremely rapid wingbeats (significantly faster than normal hovering or flying wingbeats) which create a buzzing sound. This is accompanied by the display of throat feathers. After this display, the male ascends and then performs a high-speed dive, which produces different sounds as the feathers slice through the air. The male vocalizes during this performance as well -- all to attract the attention of a potential mate.

The Calliope Hummingbird is also known for its impressive migratory behavior. Despite their small size, these birds undertake long migrations, traveling from their breeding grounds in the western United States and Canada to their wintering grounds in Mexico. This journey can span over 5,000 miles round trip!

The Calliope Hummingbird is a tiny bird with an impressive presence. Its vibrant colors, dynamic behaviors, and impressive migratory feats make it a fascinating subject for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. The Calliope Hummingbird joins Birdorable as our 799th bird!

Our Birdorable Hummingbird Week 2024 continues today with a new species added to our flock: it's the Violet Sabrewing!

The Violet Sabrewing is one of the largest and most stunning hummingbirds in the Americas. This vibrant bird is a spectacle with its iridescent plumage and dynamic behavior. Found primarily in the tropical regions of Central America, the Violet Sabrewing captures the fascination of bird enthusiasts with its striking appearance and unique characteristics. 

One of the most distinctive feature of the Violet Sabrewing is its vivid plumage. Adult males are particularly striking with their deep violet-blue feathers covering most of their bodies. They have a distinctive white spot behind their eyes and a curved bill that is adapted to feed on nectar. Females are slightly less colorful, with green upperparts and a mix of violet and white on their underparts. This sexual dimorphism is typical in many hummingbird species and plays a significant role in their mating rituals.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Violet Sabrewing is its size. This bird is big -- for a hummingbird! It is one of the largest species of hummingbirds, measuring up to 5.9 inches (nearly 15cm) in length. Even at this size, they're still hummers, and these hummingbirds are incredibly agile and can perform impressive aerial maneuvers. Their powerful wings allow them to hover in place while feeding and even fly backward, showcasing their remarkable flight capabilities.

The diet of the Violet Sabrewing is primarily composed of nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They have a preference for flowers with long corollas, which match their long, curved bills. In addition to nectar, they also consume small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins, especially during the breeding season. This diet helps sustain their high energy levels and supports that active hummingbird lifestyle!

Violet Sabrewings are typically found in humid tropical forests, often at elevations ranging from 1,600 - 6,600 feet (500 to 2,000 meters). They prefer habitats with abundant flowering plants, naturally, which provide a consistent food source for these nectar-lovers. These hummingbirds are also known to visit gardens and feeders, where they can be observed up close, much to the delight of bird watchers.

The conservation status of the Violet Sabrewing is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), though the population is thought to be decreasing. Habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment poses a significant threat to their population, which is currently large and widely distributed. 

The Violet Sabrewing hummingbird joins our avian family and becomes our 798th Birdorable bird! Tune in tomorrow as we wrap up Hummingbird Week (and reveal one more new hummer!).

A common myth surrounding hummingbirds is that feeding them in the fall will prevent them from migrating. This myth suggests that providing a food source during migration season will encourage hummingbirds to stay in one place rather than making their long journey south for the winter. However, this belief is not supported by scientific evidence. Let's explore why this myth persists and the reality of how hummingbird migration works.

Why Do Hummingbirds Migrate?

Hummingbird migration is primarily driven by instinct and environmental cues, not by the availability of food. As the amount of daylight decreases in the fall, migratory hummingbirds experience hormonal changes that trigger their behavior and movements. These changes prompt them to start their journey to their wintering grounds, regardless of the local food supply. This instinct is deeply ingrained and ensures that they migrate to warmer climates where they can find abundant food during the colder months.

Should We Feed Hummingbirds in the Fall?

Providing food for hummingbirds in the fall can actually be beneficial for these tiny travelers. During migration, hummingbirds need to consume large amounts of energy to fuel their long flights. A reliable food source, such as a well-maintained feeder filled with a simple solution of sugar water, can help them build up the fat reserves they need for their journey. Far from discouraging migration, feeding hummingbirds can support their natural behavior by ensuring they have the necessary energy to make the trip.

Another reason the myth persists is the observation of lingering hummingbirds at feeders in the fall. Some people mistakenly believe that the presence of these birds means they are delaying or foregoing migration due to the easy food source. In reality, these birds are usually just stopping by feeders to refuel before continuing their journey. Additionally, some hummingbirds naturally migrate later than others, so it's not uncommon to see them visiting feeders well into the fall season.

It's also important to note that there are different species of hummingbirds with varying migration patterns. For example, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, commonly found in eastern North America, typically migrates to Central America for the winter. In contrast, some species on the West Coast, like the Anna's Hummingbird, may stay in milder climates year-round or only migrate short distances. Understanding the specific migration habits of the hummingbirds in your area can help dispel the myth further.

To support migrating hummingbirds, it's recommended to keep feeders up until at least two weeks after you see the last hummingbird in the fall. This practice ensures that any late migrants passing through will have access to a valuable food source. Just remember to keep the feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria.

Hummingbird Myth: Busted!

The myth that feeding hummingbirds in the fall will stop them from migrating is unfounded. Hummingbirds are guided by instinct and environmental cues to migrate, and providing them with food can actually aid in their long journey. By maintaining feeders during migration season, we can help these remarkable birds get the energy they need to travel to their wintering grounds safely.

How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

It's easy to make the ideal hummingbird food for your feeding station. Just mix sugar and water together without any additives, artificial sweeteners, or dyes. The recipe is simply 1 part sugar with 4 parts water. Clean your feeders often to prevent mold and the spread of disease. The National Zoo has more information here: Hummingbird Nectar Recipe. 

For this Hummingbird Week, we're introducing a fabulous new species of hummingbird to the Birdorable family: the Red-billed Streamertail!

The Red-billed Streamertail is one of the most dazzling and delightful birds you can find in Jamaica. This bird is not only a sight to behold but also holds a special place in Jamaican culture and folklore. It's importance to the country is seen in the fact that it's the official national bird of Jamaica.

The Red-billed Streamertail is a member of the hummingbird family, known for its spectacularly long tail feathers and vibrant colors. The males of the species are especially eye-catching with their brilliant emerald-green plumage and long, ribbon-like tail feathers that can be up to 10 inches long. These streamers flutter gracefully behind them as they fly.

Female Red-billed Streamertails are less flamboyant but equally adorable. They lack the long tail feathers and have more subdued green plumage with white underparts. Despite their differences, both males and females share the characteristic red bill that gives the species its name.

This beautiful bird is endemic to Jamaica, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its preferred habitats are tropical rainforests, gardens, and plantations where it can find ample food sources. The Red-billed Streamertail feeds primarily on nectar, using its long bill to reach deep into flowers. In addition to nectar, it also consumes small insects and spiders, providing a well-rounded diet that supports its high-energy lifestyle.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Red-billed Streamertail is its courtship display. Males perform an aerial dance to attract females, flying in broad arcs and loops, and even hovering, all while showing off their long tail streamers. This display is not only a visual spectacle but also produces a distinctive whirring sound, adding an auditory element to the performance.

In Jamaican culture, the Red-billed Streamertail is more than just a beautiful bird; it is a national symbol and a subject of many legends and stories. Locally known as the Doctor Bird, this hummingbird is celebrated in folklore as a mystical creature with healing powers. Some tales even suggest that seeing a Doctor Bird brings good luck.

The conservation status of the Red-billed Streamertail is currently stable, thanks in part to its adaptability and the relatively intact habitats in Jamaica. However, habitat destruction and climate change pose potential threats to its population. Conservation efforts and awareness are essential to ensure that this stunning bird continues to thrive in its natural environment.

Birdwatchers visiting Jamaica are often eager to catch a glimpse of the Red-billed Streamertail, and it's no wonder why. Watching a male in full display is like witnessing a living jewel in motion. Their rapid wing beats and dazzling colors make them a highlight for any birding expedition.

The Red-billed Streamertail is a remarkable bird with its radiant plumage, extraordinary tail feathers, and captivating courtship displays. Its importance in Jamaican culture and folklore further enhances its charm. Ensuring the conservation of this endemic species allows future generations to continue to marvel at one of nature's most exquisite avian wonders. We welcome this amazing little flying jewel to our Birdorable family!

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures known for their incredible flight abilities and iridescent plumage. One intriguing aspect of their biology is their feet, which have given rise to a common myth: hummingbirds' feet are only strong enough for perching, and therefore hummingbirds cannot walk. While this statement contains a kernel of truth, it is a bit of an oversimplification. For Hummingbird Week, let's explore the reality behind this myth and uncover the unique adaptations of hummingbird feet.

Hummingbirds have very small, delicate feet, which are indeed primarily adapted for perching rather than walking. These tiny birds have evolved feet that allow them to cling to branches, leaves, or feeders securely. Their toes are equipped with strong, curved claws that can grip tightly onto perches. This adaptation is essential for their survival, as it enables them to rest between their frequent and energetically costly flights.

Like most birds, hummingbirds have three forward-facing toes and one backward-facing toe. The inner surface of the claws are ridged for better gripping when perched. 

Although hummingbirds can grip and perch effectively, their feet are not well-suited for walking or hopping on the ground. Their legs are relatively short and weak, and they lack knees, which limits their ability to move around on flat surfaces. When on the ground, hummingbirds may appear clumsy, and their movements are more like shuffling than walking. This lack of walking ability is because their legs and feet are highly specialized for minimizing weight and maximizing efficiency in the air.

Hummingbirds' exceptional flight capabilities further explain why their feet are not designed for walking. These birds are among the most agile fliers in the avian world, capable of hovering, flying backwards, and making rapid, intricate maneuvers. Their wings beat incredibly fast, sometimes up to 80 times per second, requiring a lightweight body structure to support this intense activity. Streamlined little legs and feet contribute to their overall aerodynamic efficiency.

Myth not busted, but explained: while the myth that hummingbirds cannot walk is not entirely accurate, it highlights the fascinating adaptations these birds have evolved to thrive in their ecological niche. Their feet are perfectly suited for perching, allowing them to rest and conserve energy between feeding on nectar, catching insects, and performing their remarkable aerial displays.

Understanding the unique adaptations of hummingbird feet gives us a deeper appreciation for these extraordinary birds. It also underscores the incredible diversity of the avian world, where each species has evolved specialized traits to survive and flourish in its environment.

Further study:

• Video of Allen's Hummingbird shuffle-walking on a birdbath
• Wikipedia: Bird Feet and Legs
• Wikipedia: Hummingbird

It's 🌺 Pollinator Week 🌺 June 17-23, and we're here to celebrate an important family of birds that acts as pollinators across the New World: Hummingbirds! It's Hummingbird Week here at Birdorable! We'll be celebrating with posts featuring hummingbird facts, busting hummingbird myths, and more. Of course, we'll be adding some new hummingbirds to our Birdorable family as well! Join us this week as we celebrate hummingbirds, and pollinators!

Why Pollinators Are Important

Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, bats, and birds, play a crucial role in both ecosystems and agriculture. Pollinators facilitate the reproduction of flowering plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another, enabling the plants to produce fruits, seeds, and more plants. This process is essential for the growth of many crops and wild plants, contributing to biodiversity and food security. Pollinators are responsible for pollinating 75-95% of the world's flowering plants and up to 75% of global food crops, like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Their activity supports healthy ecosystems, which in turn provide clean air, water, and habitats for other wildlife.

Hummingbirds As Pollinators

Hummingbirds are among nature's most fascinating pollinators, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to fertilize flowers and promote plant diversity. Here are some interesting facts and insights into their role as pollinators. 

Specialized Feeding Adaptations

Hummingbirds have long, slender bills and extendable tongues that allow them to reach deep into flowers to access nectar. This specialized feeding adaptation makes them effective pollinators for a variety of tubular flowers that other pollinators cannot reach.

Hovering Ability

Unlike many other birds, hummingbirds can hover in mid-air thanks to their rapid wing beats, which can reach up to 80 beats per second. This ability allows them to feed from flowers without landing, minimizing damage to the blooms and increasing pollination efficiency.

Mutualistic Relationships

Many plants have evolved to attract hummingbirds specifically. These plants often have bright red or orange tubular flowers, which are particularly appealing to hummingbirds. In return for providing nectar, the plants benefit from the pollination services that hummingbirds provide as they transfer pollen from flower to flower. Sword-billed Hummingbirds, the only species of bird that has a bill longer than its body, typically feed on flowers with exceedingly long tubes that can only be reached by them.

Long-distance Pollinators

Some hummingbirds are known for their long migrations, with some species traveling thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds. During these migrations, they pollinate plants across vast distances, contributing to genetic diversity and plant reproduction over a wide area.

Ecological Impact

Hummingbirds play a significant role in maintaining the health and diversity of ecosystems. By pollinating a wide range of plant species, they help ensure the survival of many plants, which in turn provide food and habitat for other wildlife.

Color Vision

Hummingbirds have excellent color vision and are particularly attracted to bright colors. This trait helps them locate flowers quickly and efficiently. Plants that rely on hummingbirds for pollination often have brightly colored flowers to attract these avian visitors.

Pollination Efficiency

Hummingbirds are highly efficient pollinators due to their ability to visit numerous flowers in a single foraging trip. As they move from flower to flower, pollen sticks to their bills and feathers, facilitating cross-pollination and increasing the genetic diversity of the plants they visit.

Adaptation to High Metabolism

Hummingbirds have an extremely high metabolism, requiring them to consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day. This constant need for food drives them to visit hundreds of flowers daily, making them prolific pollinators.

Keystone Species

In some ecosystems, hummingbirds act as keystone species. Their pollination activities are crucial for the survival of certain plants, which in turn support other species. The presence of hummingbirds can thus have a profound impact on the entire ecosystem.

Hummingbird Week!

Hummingbirds are essential pollinators with specialized adaptations that make them uniquely suited to their role. Their interactions with plants drive ecological processes and contribute to the health and diversity of ecosystems. By understanding and supporting hummingbird conservation, we can help maintain the balance and beauty of the natural world. You can see why hummingbirds and their role as pollinators is important. Join us this week as we celebrate hummingbirds here on the blog! 

Guess tomorrow's bird ...

Are you ready to guess tomorrow's new Birdorable? This charming avian resident of southern Australia has a striking white face. It's often found in specific habitats, including open woodlands and grassy areas. Can you guess what bird it might be?