The Hummingbird

The hummingbird is so light that it can perch on a single blade of grass. Its eggs are the size of a pea and the entire litter fits into one teaspoon.

They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12–90 times per second (depending on the species). They can also fly backwards, and are the only group of birds able to do so. They can fly at speeds exceeding 15 m/s (54 km/h, 34 mi/h). Hummingbirds do not spend all day flying, as the energy cost would be prohibitive; the majority of their activity consists simply of sitting or perching.

Hummingbirds drink nectar, and, like bees, they are able to assess the amount of sugar in the nectar they eat; they reject flower types that produce nectar that is less than 10% sugar and prefer those whose sugar content is stronger. Nectar is a poor source of nutrients, so hummingbirds meet their needs for protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. by preying on insects and spiders, especially when feeding young.

Hummingbirds have long life spans for organisms with such rapid metabolisms. Though many die during their first year of life, especially in the vulnerable period between hatching and leaving the nest (fledging), those that survive may live a decade or more.

Aztecs wore hummingbird talismans. It was believed they drew energy, vigor, and skill at arms and warfare to the wearer.