Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward. They can also hover in mid-air, fly upside down, and reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Despite their small size, hummingbirds are mighty travelers. Some species migrate over 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico in a single journey, fueled by nectar and insects.
A hummingbird's heart beats up to 1,260 times per minute. They have a high metabolism to support their rapid wing movement, which can range from 720 to 5400 beats per minute.
Hummingbirds have excellent memories and can remember every flower they have visited and how long it will take for the flower to refill with nectar. This helps them optimize their foraging.
The brilliant colors of a hummingbird's feathers are not due to pigments but rather the refraction and reflection of light on their iridescent feathers, creating stunning displays.
Hummingbirds have a unique ability to enter a state of torpor during cold nights or food scarcity, slowing down their metabolism to conserve energy until conditions improve.