Student Article

Have you ever seen a tiny bird that hovers like a helicopter?

Tiny birds with big moves

Hummingbirds are some of the smallest birds in the world, but they are full of surprises! They flap their wings super fast — sometimes over 50 times a second — making a humming noise. That’s how they got their name! Some hummingbirds can even fly backwards and hover in the air while drinking nectar from flowers.

Hummingbirds live only in the Americas

These birds live only in the Americas. In the United States, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common, but there are over 350 types of hummingbirds around the world! The tiniest one, the bee hummingbird, weighs less than a paper clip. The biggest, the giant hummingbird, is about the size of a banana!

They eat — a lot!

Hummingbirds eat sweet nectar and tiny insects like spiders or eggs. They have very fast heartbeats and use lots of energy, so they must eat all day long — up to half their body weight every day!

Their nests are teeny tiny

They build small nests out of moss and spider silk, sometimes on branches or even on washing lines. These nests are only the size of half a walnut shell!

Some go on epic journeys

Some hummingbirds fly very long distances. One kind, the rufous hummingbird, flies all the way from Mexico to Alaska — over 3,700 miles! Another kind crosses the Gulf of Mexico, flying nonstop for over 20 hours.

They need our help

Even though they are small, hummingbirds are strong and smart. But they face dangers like snakes, frogs, and even big spiders. People can help by planting flowers and using bird feeders.

© Sam Coppard / Our Media