Karnataka Science and Technology Academy

Department of Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka

Hummingbird – The Only known Bird That Can Fly Backwards

1 min read
Hummingbird Photo

Hummingbirds are the only Birds that can fly backwards. They are small birds with a length of about 5 inches and a weight of less than 31.75 gms and are native to America. Nearly one-third of their body weight comes from the muscles they use when flying. They have different wing pattern and can rotate its wings 180 degrees in all directions due to unique ball and socket joint at the shoulder. They can move quickly and easily through the air as their wings are long, narrow and tapered. The shoulder and elbow joints of the wing are very close to their tiny bodies, allowing the wings to tilt and pivot. They can flap their wings at a speed of about 80 beats per second. These birds can fly at a top speed of 15 – 22 miles per second. 

Source :  https://www.discovermagazine.com/ & https://www.worldatlas.com/  

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