Hummingbirds in Our Backyard - Watching Them is a Favorite Summer Pastime

Hummingbirds are truly fascinating creatures. Despite their tiny size, they are capable of extraordinary feats. For instance, they can hover in mid-air by flapping their wings at an incredible speed of about 50 to 80 times per second, creating that distinct humming sound. These birds are also the only ones that can fly backward and even upside down. Their vibrant, iridescent feathers aren't actually pigmented; instead, their color comes from the way light refracts off microscopic plate-like structures on their feathers, giving them that dazzling appearance.
Their metabolic rate is astonishingly high, requiring them to consume vast amounts of nectar daily, equivalent to about half their body weight. To sustain their energy needs, hummingbirds visit hundreds of flowers each day and have specialized long tongues that can flick up to 13 times per second to lap up nectar. Interestingly, they also have remarkable memories, often recalling which flowers they've visited and when.
During migration, some species of hummingbirds travel remarkable distances. For instance, the ruby-throated hummingbird embarks on a non-stop journey of over 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico. This is particularly impressive given their small size, as many weigh less than a nickel.
Hummingbirds are not just captivating for their physical abilities but also for their role in pollination. As they feed, their movements transfer pollen from flower to flower, making them vital to ecosystems. With their agility, vibrant appearance, and unique traits, hummingbirds have rightly earned their status as one of nature's marvels.