Due to its positive meanings and beauty, the hummingbird is one of the most loved birds in all parts of the world.
That is why we share with you six super curious facts that you need to know.
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The hummingbird is one of everyone’s favorite birds.
Curious facts about the hummingbird
- They are the only birds that can fly backwards
Given its size and dimensions, it is striking that this animal has a very high heart rate. In one minute, at rest, your heart can beat between 500 to 700 times per minute; while in the active state, it reaches 1,200 times per minute.
This is because they expend a significant amount of energy during flight. They are the only winged animals that have the ability to fly in all directions: right, left, forward and backward. This is why they need frequent meals, which can exceed their body weight five times in a single day.
- The hummingbird can see more colors than humans
Thanks to their tetrachromatic vision, these birds have the ability to see colors that humans are not able to perceive. This is due to an evolutionary deviation, according to a study conducted by Mary Stoddard, a biologist at the National Academy of Sciences.
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The hummingbird stands out among bird species.
- Hummingbird’s legs are useless for walking
Despite their impressive flapping ability, hummingbirds are unable to walk, because their anatomical design prevents them from doing so. For this same reason, they cannot jump. However, they use their legs for two main activities. The first is to perch on tree branches or solid surfaces to rest or sleep. The second, to scratch.
- They have a mating technique unique among birds
Known as “the diving technique”, male hummingbirds have to rise up to 20 meters in height to suddenly drop down. Before reaching the ground, they make a U-turn to climb back up. They repeat this action as many times as necessary to attract the female hummingbird, who notices those who manage to do it with the most grace, as well as reach the highest.
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The hummingbird’s legs are not useful for walking.
- They are aggressive birds with other winged species.
Despite their size, which does not exceed 10 centimeters in height, hummingbirds are famous among biologists for being aggressive birds. They have been seen attacking jays, crows and even hawks, which are often triple their size and strength. This generally happens when other birds infringe on their territory, which they defend tooth and nail with their beak, which is generally the same length as their entire body.
- The bird that guided the Mexica to Aztlán
One of the most important myths of the Mexica Empire was that of the founding of Aztlán: the Place of the Herons. According to the myth, these tiny birds were messengers of the god of war, Huitzilopochtli.
Legend has it that, while Coatlicue, goddess of fertility, was sweeping her temple on Snake Mountain, a breeze caused several hummingbird feathers to settle in her bosom. It was thus that Huitzilopochtli was born in her womb, who, at birth, came into the world with armor, an eagle shield, and sandals lined with hummingbird feathers.
When he earned his position as tutelary god of the Mexica, he decided to guide them to Aztlán with his winged messengers. This is how they reached this mythical land, where they raised their entire civilization. For this reason, at a cosmogonic level, these birds occupied an important place in the pre-Columbian era.