LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Temperatures are trending up this time of year, and so are the hummingbirds.
The colorful and speedy birds are migrating north throughout the United States and several reported sightings have been made in the Louisville area this month. Hummingbirds are small, but are known for their ability to zip through the air with ease.
That's also where they get their name. Hummingbirds flap their wings so fast, they make a "humming" sound.
So how fast can a hummingbird flap its wings?
According to the National Audubon Society, they can generate up to 70 wingbeats per second during regular flight, or 4,000 wingbeats per minute. By comparison, the American Crow registers about two wingbeats per second.
Hummingbirds can reach 200 wingbeats per second while diving.
Hummingbirds are one of few animals that can hover, or remain in place in the air without moving either direction. They have been clocked at 30 mph in direct flight, but can reach 45 mph during a courtship flight.
A bird's heart beats 225 times per minute when it's at rest, and more than 1,200 times during flight.
According to the Adirondack Council, hummingbirds can even fly backward or upside down.
They're small, measuring just about five inches in length, but they eat a lot due to their high metabolism. These birds consume about half their body weight in bugs and nectar.
They feed every 10-15 minutes and visit up to 2,000 flowers a day. Research suggests hummingbirds can travel up to 23 miles a day.
RELATED VIDEO