How tiny birds defy the wind to fuel their extreme metabolism
In short: Using high-speed cameras at 1000 frames per second, this video captures the incredible aerial acrobatics of hummingbirds. Discover how these birds maintain steady flight to feed even during wind and rain.
Hummingbirds possess the highest metabolism of any warm-blooded animal, necessitating a daily intake of nectar equal to their own body weight. To put this into perspective, a 150-pound human with such a metabolism would need to eat the caloric equivalent of over 300 hamburgers every day.
Beyond their appetite, these birds are unique avian acrobats capable of flying backwards, sideways, and hovering for extended periods. This hovering is vital for stability while probing flowers with their beaks, a feat they must perform even when facing harsh weather, despite weighing less than a nickel.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What Happens When You Put a Hummingbird in a Wind Tunnel? | Deep Look
- Also: www.pbs.org — Deep Look | What Happens When You Put a Hummingbird in a Wind Tunnel? | Season 1 | Episode 12
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