Hummingbirds are fascinating to look at. Their small size, long beaks, and fast movement of the wings are mesmerizing, especially when you encounter one in dazzling colors, which are frequent for these tiny birds. But as it turns out, this doesn’t even scratch the surface when it comes to their awesomeness. Keep reading to find out some fun facts about hummingbirds you probably didn’t know before.
They Can Fly Backwards
Hummingbirds are the only bird species that can fly backward. They are able to do this because of the unique movement of their wings, which can rotate 180 degrees. Other birds fly with simple up-and-down movements.
They Can’t Smell
Hummingbirds have no sense of smell. Instead, they rely on their hearing and vision to get around and find food. They are attracted to bright colors, with red flowers seeming to be their favorite.
They Migrate Alone
Hummingbirds are not only the smallest bird that migrates but also the rare ones that do it solo. This is despite the fact that they are known to cover hundreds of miles during a single migration. Solo flying actually makes sense for hummingbirds because it is harder for predators to spot them this way.
They Can Eat Twice Their Body Weight in a Single Day
Hummingbirds spend a lot of energy flying, which is why they eat a lot. And we mean a lot, at least by their standards. Some species are known to eat every 10 to 15 minutes, while others can consume twice their body weight in a single day.
