Page 20 - World of Animals - Issue #31

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Taking fl ight

What is the secret behind the hummingbird’s hover?

The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the with all the skills it needs to survive against are unlike any other bird’s. While most birds
smallest warm-blooded creatures in the world, the odds. With great dexterity and fine achieve lift on the downstroke, hummingbirds

meaning it is forced to live a life on the edge precision, this gifted bird coordinates a dance can create lift on the upstroke, too, thanks to

of survival. Yet despite their small size, these of incredible grace all centred around one their flexible wrists that allow the wings to be

intriguing animals have an extraordinary talent amazing skill: the ability to hover. twisted. This gives them a flight pattern more

for flight. Able to feed from flowers blowing in Have you ever looked at a hummingbird similar to a fruit fly than a pigeon. The ability
the wind and with no ledge to perch on, nature and wondered how they appear so perfectly to fly backwards, upside-down, and hover all

has equipped the ruby-throated hummingbird balanced? The secret lies in their wings, which stems from this evolutionary advantage.
RIGHT
These tiny birds have unique
wings, allowing them to hover, fly

backwards and even fly upside-down

Masters of aerial agility The bird spends much of

With fine precision and flexible wrists, hummingbirds are able to fly like no other bird its time manoeuvering
its wings in a figure of

eight pattern.
The hummingbird has
exceptionally strong breast and
back muscles to support its long
and fast moving wings.
When approaching the
When ruby-throated hover position, the tail

hummingbirds take flight, they feathers are opened to
are able to go from stationary to act as a windbreak and
top speed in the blink of an eye. help rotate the bird.

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