Hummingbirds are known for their speed and agility in flight. Their tiny bodies and fast beating wings allow them to hover in place and fly backwards, feats no other bird can accomplish. But exactly how fast can hummingbirds fly? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
Measuring hummingbird flight speed
Hummingbird flight speed is difficult to measure precisely in the wild. Scientists have used several techniques to estimate their velocity:
High speed video recordings
Recording hummingbirds in flight with high speed cameras allows researchers to playback the footage slowly and calculate speed. One study that analyzed hummingbird takeoffs recorded average flight speeds of 25-30 mph.
Wind tunnels
Researchers can precisely control wind speed in a wind tunnel and have trained hummingbirds to fly inside them. In a wind tunnel, hummingbirds were clocked at 34 mph.
Calculations based on wingbeat frequency
Wingbeat frequency can be measured by listening to the buzzing sound of hummingbird wings. Mathematical models can then estimate flight speed based on wingbeat frequency. These calculations produce speed estimates of 25-60 mph.
Method | Speed estimate |
---|---|
High speed video | 25-30 mph |
Wind tunnel | 34 mph |
Wingbeat calculations | 25-60 mph |
Maximum measured speed records
The highest reliably recorded flight speed for a hummingbird is 38.2 mph, measured in a wind tunnel for a male Anna’s hummingbird. This is considered the maximum speed record for the species.
Other researchers have made claims of recording hummingbirds at even higher speeds:
– In 1996, a biologist observed male Allen’s hummingbirds diving at estimated speeds over 60 mph. However, these readings were not made with high precision equipment.
– Aerospace engineers measured hummingbirds diving at 48 mph in a wind tunnel in 2011. The study claimed speeds likely approach 60 mph during a dive, but did not directly measure the birds at this speed.
While intriguing, these faster speed records lack solid evidence compared to the 38.2 mph maximum speed record. The potential for very fast dives needs further study with state-of-the-art techniques.
How do hummingbirds fly so fast?
Hummingbirds have several adaptations that allow them to fly faster than other birds:
Wing design
Hummingbird wings are small and narrowly shaped. This gives them a large surface area relative to their weight, generating more lift force. The wings also flap in a figure eight pattern rather than just up and down. This produces lift on both the upstroke and downstroke.
High wingbeat frequency
Hummingbirds can beat their wings 15-80 times per second. This rapid wing movement generates more power and lift.
Lightweight bodies
Hummingbirds weigh only 2-20 grams. Their small size and lightweight bones and feathers reduce body mass, allowing wing power to be devoted to speed.
High muscle efficiency
Hummingbird flight muscles are extremely efficient. They are made up of 25-35% mitochondria, organelles that produce energy. This gives hummingbirds more energy to power rapid wingbeats.
Role of fast flight in hummingbird ecology
The speed and agility of hummingbirds allows them to excel at specialized roles in their environment:
Accessing flower nectar
Hummingbirds drink nectar from flowers. Their ability to hover and fly sideways and backwards lets them efficiently feed from flowers not accessible to other birds. Rapid speed allows them to visit many flowers quickly.
Competition for flowers
Hummingbirds fight each other for territory and access to flower resources. Their acceleration and top speed gives them an edge in chasing competitors away from food sources.
Courtship displays
Male hummingbirds perform dramatic courtship dives to attract females. Their top speed allows an impressive display of rapid dives and climbs to show off for potential mates.
Predator evasion
Fast getaways help hummingbirds escape predators such as hawks and cats. One strategy is a fast vertical takeoff that renders them nearly invisible to threats due to their small size.
Comparison to other fast birds
While hummingbirds are record-setting in their relative speed capabilities, several larger birds can match or outpace them in absolute velocity:
Bird | Top Speed |
---|---|
Hummingbird | 38 mph |
Peregrine falcon | 200 mph |
Golden eagle | 150 mph |
Frigatebird | 95 mph |
Larger birds have a size advantage that allows them to reach higher absolute velocities in level flight or dives. But when relative speed is calculated based on body length, hummingbirds far surpass all other birds. Their smaller wings must flap incredibly quickly to propel their tiny bodies through the air at up to 12-15 body lengths per second.
World’s fastest hummingbird
Multiple hummingbird species populate theAmericas. Here are some contenders for the title of world’s fastest hummingbird:
Black-chinned hummingbird
With a recorded dive speed of 50 mph, this species native to western North America is a top contender for the speed crown.
Bee hummingbird
The world’s smallest bird species, bee hummingbirds weigh less than 2 grams. This minuscule weight likely enables them to accelerate faster than any other bird relative to size.
Anna’s hummingbird
This common Pacific coast hummingbird holds the verified record for maximum wind tunnel speed of 38.2 mph. Their rapid wingbeats and agility give them excellent speed capabilities.
Calliope hummingbird
One of the smallest hummingbird species at 2-3 grams weight, calliopes can sustain rapid wingbeating and likely reach top speeds matching the bee hummingbird.
Conclusion
Scientific measurements confirm hummingbirds are the fastest flying birds relative to their body size. Aerodynamic adaptations give them acceleration, agility, and maximum flight velocities unmatched by other avian species. While tiny, hummingbirds are little speed demons of the bird world. Their diminutive size conceals an impressive capacity for rapidly powering their wings to stay one step ahead of competitors and access fleeting food sources.