How hummingbirds fly through spaces too narrow for their wings

[hunter]

Hummingbirds are natural acrobats, twisting their wings in ways that let them fly backward and upside down, unlike any other bird (SN: 1/13/16). New high-speed video now shows how, using a bit of aerial gymnastics, hummingbirds can also slip through gaps narrower than their wingspan.

Most birds can bend their wings at the wrist, pulling arched wings close to their bodies to navigate their way through dense vegetation like branches. But hummingbird wings aren’t as flexible. Because the wings stick straight out from a hummingbird’s body, getting through tight spaces requires some tricky maneuvering.

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https://www.sciencenews.org/article/hummingbirds-fly-spaces-narrow-wings

There are slow motion videos at the link.

They don't always fold in their wings, the "ballistic" approach, as one might expect, they can also do a "sideways scooch."

[AllaN01Bear]

1. just watching them hover and then shoot off @ high speed still amaiZes me.

[Bayard]

2. Hummers are amazing little creatures...

We didn't see as many here this year. Disappointing.

[calimary]

3. And worrisome.

[Bayard]

4. Yes

We always have several feeders hanging around the porch, and a big flower bed.