Hummingbirds can hover because they twist and sweep their wings to create lift during both the forward and backward parts of each wingbeat. Their shoulder joints allow a remarkable range of motion, so they can hold position beside a flower instead of gliding past it. They are not hovering by simply beating their wings faster than ordinary birds.
What makes a hummingbird’s wing motion different?
Most birds produce much of their lift on the downstroke. A hummingbird changes the angle of each wing so that the air is pushed in a useful direction on both strokes. The resulting wingtip path looks roughly like a sideways figure eight, although the exact motion is more complicated than a drawn loop. Smithsonian Gardens explains how this rotation allows lift while the bird hovers.
A hummingbird’s body can remain almost still while its wings blur. Its tail and tiny changes in wing orientation help fine-tune position, balance and turning.
How many times do its wings beat in a second?
Wingbeat rate varies by species, body size and flight behavior. Many hummingbirds beat their wings dozens of times each second, and some small species can beat considerably faster. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo notes that ruby-throated hummingbirds can exceed 50 beats per second. That rapid motion is why ordinary photographs often show a soft wing blur.
Can hummingbirds really fly backward?
Yes. By adjusting the direction and angle of their wing strokes, hummingbirds can move backward and sideways as well as forward. Backing away from a flower is especially handy when a bird has just finished feeding. This ability is unusual among birds, though it does not mean hummingbirds can fly backward indefinitely without consuming energy.
Why spend so much energy hovering?
Hovering lets a bird reach nectar in flowers without landing on a branch or crushing a delicate blossom. Its long bill and extendable tongue make quick visits possible. Some plants benefit when visiting hummingbirds carry pollen between flowers.
Hovering has a high energy cost, so hummingbirds regularly feed and also perch to rest. Some species use visual landmarks to return to reliable food sites, much as other nectar-feeding animals navigate familiar areas.
How to observe hovering without disturbing a bird
Watch flowering native plants from a quiet distance. In bright daylight, a phone’s slow-motion video mode can reveal more wing movement than a regular video. Do not approach active nests or interfere with feeding birds. Native flowering plants can offer nectar and shelter without requiring a feeder.
Frequently asked questions
Do hummingbirds hover constantly? No. They also perch and fly between food sources. Hovering is especially useful during feeding.
Do their wings really move in a figure eight? That is a useful simple description, but the three-dimensional wing motion changes with speed and maneuver.
Can every bird hover? Some birds briefly hover or face a headwind to hold position, but hummingbirds are exceptionally adapted for sustained hovering in still air.
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