5 Surprising Facts About Hummingbirds

Store sign at Seattle's iconic Pike's Place Market designed by founder Louie Gong (Nooksack). Louie shares that hummingbirds are often considered a sign of good luck, or sometimes, a sign of a relative who has passed on paying a visit. 

1. Hummingbirds can visit between 1,000 -2,000 flowers in one day; traveling at a top speed of 34mph and diving at speeds of 49mph.

Photo taken by Joshua J. Cotten

2. According to Audubon, hummingbirds can pretty much see all colors, but are usually attracted to bright colors - like red - as it often indicates a rich nectar supply.  

Photo taken by Bryan Hanson

3. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can rotate their wings to fly backwards since they possess a unique ball and socket joint at the shoulder; allowing them to rotate their wings 180 degrees in all directions.

Photo taken by Mark Olsen

4. Although they are not social creatures, a group of hummingbirds - known as a "charm" - can be spotted when sharing the same food source.  

Photo taken by James Wainscoat

5. Despite their small size, hummingbirds can be often seen defending what is theirs from others of their own kind; aggressively protecting their territory through bodies colliding and hooked beaks, spinning in circles until they reach the ground.

Internal Affairs by artist, Louie Gong (Nooksack)