Hummingbird

The smallest bird in the World is the Hummingbird. It weighs once. It is the only bird that can fly backwards. Hummingbird wing-beats are about 80 per second. The heart rate for a hummingbird is about 1260 beats per minute. Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds do not hitch rides on geese or other larger birds. Most hummingbirds unfortunately die during their first year but, those that do survive that first year have an average life span of 3 to 4 years. Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism rate of any animal on earth. They have a high breathing rate, a high heart rate, and a high body temperature. To maintain all of this and to provide energy for flying they may consume anywhere from 2/3 to 3 times their body weight in food each day.