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HUMMINGBIRD SPECIES
There are more than 325 hummingbird species, and all of them belong
to the scientific family Trochilidae. Hummingbirds are only found in the
Western Hemisphere, from Alaska and Canada to Argentina and Chile,
with at least a few species in every country. Most hummingbirds live in
tropical regions rich with flowers and insects year-round, but eight species
regularly breed north of Mexico, and up to two dozen hummingbird
species are common breeders, regular visitors, or rare vagrants in the
United States. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummer
east of the Mississippi River, while the black-chinned, broad-tailed, rufous,
and calliope hummingbirds are found in the western United States. Along
the Pacific Coast, Allen’s hummingbirds are summer visitors, while Anna’s
hummingbirds are year-round residents. Several other species are found in
parts of Texas and southern Arizona.
HOW HUMMINGBIRDS FLY
Despite their tiny size, hummingbirds are masters of magnificent flight.
Their wings flap so fast – 8—200 flaps per second – that they hum, giving
hummingbirds their name. Hummingbirds pivot their shoulders to move their
wings in a figure-8 pattern for exceptional maneuverability, and they can
fly sideways, backwards, and even upside down. Hummingbirds fly an
average of 20-45 miles per hour, but can reach up to 60 miles per hour
during a courtship display or aggressive dive. Roughly 90 percent of their
flying time is hovering as they feed.