Hummingbirds (W)

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Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are small birds in the family Trochilidae capable of hovering in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings, fifteen to eighty times per second, depending on the size of the bird. They are named for the characteristic hum made by their wings, and are the only birds that can deliberately fly backwards.

Hummingbirds are attracted to many flowering plants — shrimp plants, fuchsias, many penstemons, etc. — especially those with red flowers. They feed on the nectar of these plants and are important pollinators, especially of deep-throated flowers. Most species of hummingbird also take insects, especially when feeding young.

Male hummingbirds take no part in nesting. The nest of most species is typically a neat cup in a tree. Two white eggs are laid, which are quite small, but large relative to the bird's size. Incubation is typically 14-19 days.

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