When you’re outside and you hear a “BUZZ,” what’s the first thing you think of? BEE? MOSQUITO?

Well, it could be--but it also could be a tiny hummingbird!

Hummingbirds often get mistaken for bees or other flying insects because they beat their wings so fast they can make a “humming” or “buzzing” noise. 

Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world and lay small, pea-sized eggs. They construct their nests of spider webs and plant material; in fact, their nests are about the size of half a walnut shell--pretty tiny!

Hummingbirds like to eat and have many small meals throughout the day. They use their long tongue to feed on nectar from flowers as well as small insects.                   

Hummingbirds are unique because they are the only birds who can fly forwards, backwards, and even upside-down!

If you have ever seen hummingbirds up close, you probably noticed that they move very fast. The average hummingbird can fly around 25 mph; and when diving for insects, can reach speeds as high as 60 mph.

Hummingbirds are known for their beautiful colors; and if you would like to attract these colorful birds into your backyard, one of the easiest things you can do is put up a hummingbird feeder.

You can also plant colorful flowers hummingbirds would be attracted to; most often they are attracted to the color red. Put your feeder or plants near your window, and you can watch hummingbirds come and go as they please!