Hummingbirds

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The smallest sonic superbird

Hummingbirds are birds native to the Americas and comprise the biological family Trochilidae. With about 366 species and 113 genera, they occur from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but most species are found in Central and South America. They symbolise intelligence, beauty, devotion, love and good luck. These little birds are also respected as fierce fighters and defenders of their territory.

The name, hummingbird, comes from the humming noise their wings make as they beat so fast. As the only bird known to fly backwards, hummingbirds are believed to be guardians of time. Hummingbirds are agile, fast, and flexible. They can adapt instantly and thrive on change. It's said that when a hummingbird crosses your path, it is trying to show you the importance of happiness and the little things in life. They have no sense of smell but good colour vision. Hummingbirds drink nectar by moving their tongue in and out about 13 times per second. They can consume up to double their body weight in nectar a day.

They are the smallest migrating bird, but unlike other species who travel in flocks, they typically travel alone. Hummingbirds weigh only about 0.1 oz (3-4 grams), but they can cover distances up to 1,300 miles (2,092 kilometers) non-stop. Their tiny legs are only used for perching and moving sideways while perched. They can’t walk or hop.

A flock of hummingbirds can be referred to as a bouquet, a glittering, a hover, a shimmer, a charm or a tune.

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