Stuff You Should Know Selects: Hummingbirds: Ornery Helicopters of the Animal Kingdom
Aug 24, 2024
Discover the dazzling world of hummingbirds, the smallest and fastest birds on the planet. Learn about their incredible flight capabilities and vibrant colors, as well as their fascinating migratory journeys. Explore the unique mating habits and the territorial nature of these feisty creatures. Uncover their essential role in pollination and how to attract them to your garden. This lively discussion reveals captivating anecdotes and surprising facts that highlight the remarkable endurance and adaptability of these ornery helicopters of the animal kingdom.
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Hummingbird Rescue
- Josh Clark recounts a calming encounter with a hummingbird.
- The bird landed on his hand, allowing him to safely release it outside.
Hovering Ability
- Hummingbirds are the only vertebrates capable of hovering like helicopters.
- Their unique wing motion, flapping both up and down, enables this.
Iridescent Feathers
- Hummingbirds' vibrant, metallic colors aren't from pigments.
- Like butterfly wings, the gorget feathers' structure reflects light, creating iridescence.