Humming bird belongs to family “Trochilidae”. They are among the smallest birds. They can hover in the mid- air by rapidly flapping their wings 12-80 times per second depending upon the specie. They can fly backwards also. They are the only birds in the world which can fly backwards. Here are some more facts about Hummingbirds.
Range
Hummingbirds are restricted to America from Tierra del Fuegga to Alaska, including the Caribbean. 25 different species are recorded in America and fewer than 10 species in Canada.
Size
They are smallest birds in the world. They are about 8.5 cm in length and weigh 3-4 grams. The female is larger then male 15-20 %.
Flight
Hummingbirds fly at very high speed. Their wing beat is 60-80 times per second in normal flight, while up to 200 times per second in courtship dives. Normally straight-line fly speed is 40km/hr and at diving 65km/hr.
Heart and Respiration
They have a heart beat of 250 times per minute at rest, while 12, 20 m/min during flying. Their heart size is 2.5 % of their total body weight. They breathe 250 breaths/min at rest.
Nest, Egg and Nestling
Their nest diameter is about 4 cm outside and 6 cm from outside. Height is about 5 cm. The female spun the nest by spider webs and plant material. It is about 2-18 m above the ground usually near water. Their egg is white and has size 8mm-13mm.