10 Fun Facts About Hummingbirds You Didn't Know
Hummingbirds are some of the tiniest birds in the world, but don't let their size fool you—they're full of surprises! In this post, we'll share 10 fun facts about hummingbirds that you probably didn't know. Get ready to be amazed by these tiny, colorful, and truly extraordinary hummingbirds!
1. Not Just Nectar: Hummingbirds Love Bugs Too
Hummingbirds aren't just tiny nectar lovers—they're also little bug hunters! They eat ants, gnats, fruit flies, spiders, and even grab snacks from spider webs. Bugs provide essential protein, especially during nesting season. So next time you see these dazzling birds, remember that those pesky insects in your yard are actually a yummy treat for hummingbirds!
2. A Tongue That Wraps Around the Brain
Did you know a hummingbird's tongue is super long—so long it actually wraps around its skull when not in use? This stretchy tongue helps them reach nectar deep inside flowers (or even nearly empty hummingbird feeders!). Once you know this fun fact, you might think about the crazy tongue moves happening inside that tiny head every time you watch a hummingbird!
3. The Only Bird That Can Fly Backwards
Hummingbirds are tiny acrobats! They can not only hover, but they're also the only birds that can fly backwards. This incredible skill comes from their unique wing structure and super-fast wingbeats. Their wings move in a figure-eight, creating lift on both up and down strokes. This unique wing motion, plus super-fast wingbeats, lets them zip through the air with amazing precision.
4. Mini Eggs in Miniature Nests
Hummingbirds lay tiny eggs—think the size of coffee beans! Most lay just one or two at a time. Their nests are equally tiny but super clever, made with twigs, plant fibers, and even spider silk. The female hummingbird handles everything when it comes to the nest—from picking the spot and gathering materials to building it and raising the chicks. After mating, the male has no role. Nest construction usually takes her about 5 to 7 days.
5. Why Hummingbirds Never Walk or Hop
6. More Than 360 Species of Hummingbirds
8. Small Birds, Big Journeys
10. Saving Mode: Torpor Explained
Now think back—have you ever seen a hummingbird walk or hop? In fact, they can't walk like other birds. Their legs and feet are similar in structure to other birds, but much smaller. Weight is the "enemy" of flight, so hummingbirds evolved smaller legs and feet to stay light and agile in the air.
Did you know there are over 360 species of hummingbirds? That makes them the second most diverse bird family after flycatchers! The Andes near the Equator are their true hotspot—Colombia alone has 160+ species! In the U.S. and Canada, you're more likely to spot Ruby-throated, Anna's, Rufous, Calliope, or Black-chinned Hummingbirds.
7. A Memory Like a GPS
Hummingbirds may be tiny, but their memory is huge! They can remember every flower they've visited and even how long it takes for nectar to refill. This incredible skill comes from a large part of their brain called the hippocampus, which helps them learn and remember places. Thanks to it, they can navigate like little GPS units! Some will even return to the exact same hummingbird feeder a whole year later—pretty amazing for such small birds!
Hummingbirds are incredible travelers! Some, like the Calliope and Rufous, fly thousands of miles each year, solo, without following flocks. To make these journeys, they double their weight in food and can fly up to 20 hours a day. Migration is a great time to spot these little flyers—and maybe even attract them with a well-stocked hummingbird feeder!
9. Short Lives
Life is tough for hummingbirds in the wild—most don't survive their first year! Those that make it can live 3–5 years, with a few lucky birds reaching over a decade. In captivity, with plenty of food and no predators, these tiny flyers have a much better chance of surviving. Although nature can be harsh, with proper care, hummingbirds can enjoy a surprisingly long life.
Hummingbirds have a clever trick to save energy! At night or when it's cold, they enter torpor, a deep sleep-like state. Their metabolism drops by up to 95%, and heart rate and body temperature fall dramatically. This lets them survive chilly nights and conserve precious energy!
Spot Hummingbirds in Your Backyard with Coolfly App
Want to see your backyard visitors up close? With the Coolfly smart hummingbird feeder and app, you can watch hummingbirds the moment they arrive—even if you're not at home! Your hummingbird feeder also provides a steady source of nectar, especially during critical times like migration or early mornings after torpor, giving these tiny birds the energy boost they need to survive. The smart hummingbird feeder's built-in camera captures every visit, and the app saves videos so you can build your own hummingbird album. You can even share your favorite clips with other bird lovers in the CoolFly community!