Hummingbirds are amazing creatures known for their ability to hover in midair and fly backwards, thanks to their unique wing structure and rapid wing-flapping. Their wings can beat up to an astonishing 200 flaps per second during forward flight. But do they really flap their wings so quickly all the time?
Quick Answer
The quick answer is no, hummingbirds do not flap their wings 200 times per second all the time. The average wingbeat frequency during hovering is typically around 55-80 flaps per second. During forward flight they can reach up to 200 flaps per second, but this depends on the speed and behavior. Slow-motion video reveals they actually flap between 12-80 times per second, depending on the activity.
Hovering Wingbeat Frequency
Hummingbirds are the only group of birds that can sustain hovering. To hover, they flap their wings in a horizontal figure-8 pattern that generates enough lift to keep their bodies aloft. High-speed cameras reveal that smaller hummingbird species beat their wings around 55 times per second while hovering. Larger hummingbird species hover with a slightly lower frequency around 47 flaps per second. Here are some typical wingbeat frequencies while hovering:
Hummingbird species | Wingbeat frequency (flaps/second) |
Bee Hummingbird | 55 |
Lucifer Hummingbird | 55 |
Calliope Hummingbird | 62 |
Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 61 |
Rufous Hummingbird | 53 |
Blue-throated Hummingbird | 55 |
Magnificent Hummingbird | 47 |
Giant Hummingbird | 49 |
As you can see, their wingbeat frequency during hovering flight ranges from 47 to 62 beats per second for most species. The highest recorded rates are around 80 flaps per second.
Forward Flight Wingbeat Frequency
During forward flight, hummingbirds can beat their wings up to 200 times per second. As they accelerate, they increase their wingbeat frequency to generate more power and thrust.
High-speed video recordings show that medium and large-sized hummingbirds reach peak frequencies around 200 flaps per second during fast forward flying. However, these bursts are very brief, on the order of a few wingbeats. Their wings cannot physically sustain this pace for more than a fraction of a second.
Here are some typical wingbeat frequencies during forward flight at different speeds:
Speed | Wingbeat Frequency |
Slow | 12 – 80 flaps/second |
Moderate | 130 flaps/second |
Fast | 200 flaps/second (brief bursts) |
So while hummingbirds can reach 200 wingbeats per second for very short bursts, this pace is not sustained for more than a few flaps. Their normal wingbeat frequency during forward flight ranges from 12 to 130 flaps per second, depending on their speed and behavior.
Other Factors Affecting Wingbeat Frequency
Several other factors influence a hummingbird’s wingbeat frequency:
Size
Smaller hummingbird species tend to flap their wings faster than larger species. For example, the Bee Hummingbird beats its wings 55 times per second while hovering, while the much larger Giant Hummingbird only manages 49 flaps per second. The smaller the bird, the faster it must flap to stay airborne.
Age
Young fledgling hummingbirds just learning to fly have a lower wingbeat frequency than mature adults. Their flight muscles and control take time to strengthen and master.
Temperature
Cool temperatures cause hummingbirds to increase their wingbeat frequency to generate more heat and stay warm.
Condition
Fatigue, injury, or illness can prevent the rapid wing movement required for hovering and fast flight in hummingbirds. In poor condition, their wingbeat frequency decreases.
Behavior
Wingbeat frequency varies widely depending on what the bird is doing. Slow cruising flight requires far fewer flaps than fast evasive maneuvers or takeoffs. Different speeds, directions, and behaviors require different power outputs.
Why the Misconception?
So if hummingbirds only hover around 55 flaps per second on average, where did the myth of constant 200 flaps per second come from? Here are some reasons for the misconception:
- High-speed bursts during courtship dives and evasive maneuvers briefly reach 200 flaps per second.
- Small size and rapid movement make their wingbeat difficult for the human eye to accurately track.
- Early studies provided impressively high estimates.
- People associate their sustained hovering ability with constant maximum effort.
While these tiny dynamos certainly can flap their wings up to 200 times per second for brief instants, slow-motion footage shows their normal wingbeat frequency is much lower depending on the activity. So next time you see a hovering hummingbird, remember that its wings are likely beating at around 55 flaps per second, not 200!
Conclusion
Hummingbirds do not sustain 200 wing flaps per second. High-speed camera footage reveals they beat their wings between 12 and 80 times per second during routine flight. The average wingbeat frequency while hovering is 55-80 flaps per second. Only during maximal bursts do they reach 200 flaps per second briefly. Their wingbeat rate varies with size, age, temperature, behavior, and flight speed. While hummingbirds can achieve truly astounding wing frequencies at their limit, these instantaneous bursts are not maintained – their normal wing flapping rates are remarkably slower. Next time you spot a hovering hummer, remember its wings are likely beating around 50-60 times per second, not constantly at 200!