Photo © Daniel E. Johnson / Shutterstock.
The Elements of Flight
Hummingbirds possess the most unique flight abilities of all birds. They have the unique ability among birds to be able to fly in any direction and hover in mid-air. The elements of hummingbird flight, like all birds, are based on the unique adaptations that have shaped and tuned their feathers, metabolism (power), and technique.
Feathers
Hummingbirds have fewer feathers covering their bodies than any other species of birds. Yet if we take into consideration their tiny stature, hummingbirds actually have a higher density of feathers than many bird species. Full-grown hummingbirds do have down feathers and as a result, their metabolism must make up for the loss of insulating power down would otherwise provide. Hummingbirds have only 10 primary feathers, 6 to 7 secondary feathers, and about 10 rectrices (tail feathers).
Power for Flight
Hummingbird flight is powered by its its heart, its powerful wing muscles, and a high metabolism that converts energy-rich nectar into fuel.
The hummingbird's heart is proportionally the largest of all birds and beats at an astonishing average of 650 beats per minute. The blue-throated hummingbird's heartbeat has been clocked at 1260 beats per minute.
Hummingbirds have extremely strong chest muscles for their size. The muscles that lift their wings up are proportionally much stronger when compared to other species of birds. They also have eight ribs (rather than six characteristic of other birds) that provide additional structural support to withstand the rigors of hovering and rapid wingbeats. So hummingbirds have more power at their disposal to beat their wings faster than other birds.
Technique
Hummingbirds can rotate their wings 180° at the shoulder joint. That enables them to move their wings in a figure-eight pattern. By twisting their wings on each stroke, they can acheive lift on both the upstroak and the downstroke. It is this technique that enables them to hover in mid-air much like a helicopter does.
Sources
For a list of sources used in the creation of this visual guide, please see the Recommended Reading page.