Hummingbirds are a diverse group of avians known for their small size, feisty personalities, and for the impressive distances many species cover during migration. They’re also agile & fast paced fliers – and the only family of birds capable of backwards flight. Their name actually comes from the ‘humming’ sounds made by their fast wingbeats!
While the peregrine falcon holds the title of the world’s fastest bird in flight – capable of reaching speeds of 112 km/hr (69 mph), hummingbirds’ ability in flight isn’t to be dismissed. So how fast can these little birds fly, exactly, and what other interesting flight maneuvers are they capable of?
Fanciful Flight – What Are Hummingbirds Capable Of?
With over 350 species of hummingbird (that we’ve discovered so far!), it’s hard to say what species is the fastest with certainty. We haven’t had the opportunity to study each species’ capabilities individually, which means the fastest hummingbird species is still up for debate. However, there is much we do know about these beautiful, intriguing birds.
Hummingbirds are the only group of birds able to fly backwards. This is because their unique wing structure allows them to make ‘figure-eights’ so they can both hover and fly backwards! These maneuvers help them navigate quickly from flower to flower, defend their territories (hummingbirds are notoriously aggressive, even to much larger animals, when defending territory), and avoid more powerful predators.
These curious creatures are also the smallest of migratory birds – but they still undergo impressive migrations that put other species to shame. However, they don’t travel in migratory flocks like other species – meaning they often undergo journeys of 500 miles or more by themselves. That’s perfectly fine with them – these primarily solitary birds often do best in a pair or by themselves.
Flight is incredibly important to hummingbirds – their legs are so short that they can’t walk or run, only perch or maneuver themselves while perched. So it’s pretty important that they’re agile and fast in flight – they have no other way to flee from predators or pursue invaders on their turf. It’s no surprise that so many of these delicate-seeming creatures are actually capable of physical feats most other birds can’t compare to!
So…How Fast ARE Hummingbirds?
The speed of hummingbirds varies somewhat by species and individual (for example, juvenile birds who aren’t quite as confident or birds nearing the end of their lifespan might not be quite as fast). But, on average, these birds are pretty fast. Hummingbirds are known to typically reach speeds of 20-30 mph (32-48 kph). While that might not sound that impressive initially, consider that roadrunners, known for their fast-paced sprints, only reach speeds of 26 mph while running!
Hummingbirds also easily outpace honeybees, which typically only fly at about 20 mph. But that’s not all – when they push themselves, typically when males are performing mating rituals, hummingbirds have been recorded reaching speeds of 60 mph (96 kph). Just imagine that buzzing by you! While hummingbirds may not be the fastest bird of all time, they’re still in a category of their own.
How Do I Attract Hummingbirds?
Interested in watching hummingbirds’ high-speed flights from your own backyard? It’s easy to create a hummingbird paradise without too much work. While hummingbirds will feed on nectar from a variety of plants, it’s good to choose native species – hummingbirds will recognize the flowers as safe to feed on, and they’ll benefit other birds and backyard species that will stop by, too. While it’s common to see plastic hummingbird feeders outside, be careful – oftentimes, commercially made ‘hummingbird food’ is a combination of red dye, flavoring, and sugar, which isn’t good for our feathered friends’ health. It can also spoil when left in the sun – so if you decide to feed hummingbirds outside of providing flowers for them, be sure you frequently change the mixture.
The best way to make your own hummingbird food is by combining 1 part sugar to four parts water, and allowing it to cool before ‘serving’ outdoors. Don’t combine with other sweet treats like honey and molasses – while the birds may seem to enjoy it, these additives can make them sick. With a little effort, you’ll be enjoying hummingbird flights all through the summer months in no time!
Conclusion
Though there’s still much to learn about hummingbirds, we do know that these little birds are capable of reaching impressive speeds during flight. The combination of speed, maneuverability and the unique trait of being able to fly backwards makes these birds a fun watch.
Many hummingbird species are threatened by habitat loss and a lack of appropriate food sources; you can help hummingbirds populate your area & catch them during flight by providing plants that offer food and shelter. If you spot one, consider using a site like eBird to record your findings & help let others know where hummers are being seen!
