Quick answers
| Question | Answer | Scope | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How fast they fly | Over 30 mph. They can also hover and fly backwards. | Hummingbirds in general, Wisconsin extension page | University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension | |
| How fast their wings beat | Up to 80 beats per second, which is where the hum comes from. | Hummingbirds in general, Wisconsin extension page | University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension | |
| Heart rate | Up to 1,260 beats per minute, with 250 breaths per minute. | Hummingbirds in general, Wisconsin extension page | University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension | |
| What they eat | Nectar and insects. At Bandelier the park counts insects as just as important as nectar. | Hummingbirds at Bandelier National Monument (New Mexico) | NPS, Bandelier National Monument | |
| Eggs | Usually two small white eggs, incubated by the female for about 15 days. | Hummingbirds at Bandelier National Monument | NPS, Bandelier National Monument | |
| How big they are | Most are 3 to 5 inches long. | Hummingbird species in general, Wisconsin extension page | University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension |
In the sources’ own words
How fast they fly
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Hummingbirds in the Garden“These small birds are able to hover, travel up to over 30 miles per hour, and fly backwards and even upside down.”
Scope: Hummingbirds in general, Wisconsin extension page
How fast their wings beat
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Hummingbirds in the Garden“…(up to 80 beats per second)”
Scope: Hummingbirds in general, Wisconsin extension page
Heart rate
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Hummingbirds in the Garden“…with a heart rate up to 1,260 beats per minute and 250 breaths per minute.”
Scope: Hummingbirds in general, Wisconsin extension page
What they eat
National Park Service, Bandelier National Monument, Hummingbirds“Although nectar is an important food source for hummingbirds especially during and just before migration, insects are an equally significant dietary requirement.”
Scope: Hummingbirds at Bandelier National Monument (New Mexico)
Eggs
National Park Service, Bandelier National Monument, Hummingbirds“Hummingbirds usually lay two tiny white eggs. The female hummingbird incubates her eggs for approximately 15 days.”
Scope: Hummingbirds at Bandelier National Monument
How big they are
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Hummingbirds in the Garden“Most species are only 3 to 5 inches long…”
Scope: Hummingbird species in general, Wisconsin extension page
What these sources do not say
- A top speed for any one species. The speed above is written for hummingbirds in general.
- How long hummingbirds live, or when and where they migrate. None of the pages here says.