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Name: Lauren
Status: student
Grade:
Location: ME
Country: USA
Date: N/A
Question:
Do hummingbirds really fly backwards? and if so Why?


Replies:
Yes, indeed they can, and even upside down for short distances (Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior). Like all behavior, the amazing flight of hummingbirds has evolved to help them survive in their environment. Hummingbirds need a lot of energy and can move very quickly from flower to flower by flying sideways and backwards, and hover to reach nectar that they could not reach from a perch. They also "hawk" for insects in the air, which their quick and agile flight makes more efficient.

J. Elliott

Hummingbirds can fly in just about any direction including backwards, sidewards, and even a twisting flight putting them often upside down. Their speed is incredibel clocked at an average of 25-35 mph with downward dives of 60 mph.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummingbird

Steve Sample

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