- The hummingbird is one of the smallest bird in the world, measuring 3 – 5 inches. The smallest species of hummingbird measures 5cm.
- They are known as hummingbirds because of the humming sound created as they beat their wings which flap at high frequencies audible to humans
They have rapid wing-flapping rates, typically around 50 times per second, but possibly as high as 200 times per second- They can hover in mid – air as they feed from flowers, flying at speeds exceeding 15 m/s (54 km/h; 34 mph), backwards or upside down
- Hummingbirds lay the smallest eggs (1 -3 eggs) of all birds and incubation last 14 – 23 days
- The male takes no responsibility in rearing the young and may find another mate after the first brood hatches.
- They may live for up to 10 years or more, however most of them do not live past their first birthday
- Their heart rate can reach as high as 1,260 beats per minute, with a breathing rate of 250 breaths per minute, even at rest
- The consumption of oxygen during flight is 10 higher than human athletes
- Hummingbirds have no sense of smell but have very keen eyesight. For more bird facts, click here
