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Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are small birds in the family Trochilidae. They are distinguished by their ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings, 15 to 80 times per second. They are named for the characteristic hum made by their wings, and are the only birds that can deliberately fly backwards. Hummingbirds are attracted to many flowering plants—shrimp plants, fuchsias, many penstemons—especially those with red flowers. They feed on the nectar of these plants and are important pollinators, especially of deep-throated flowers. Most species of hummingbird also take insects, especially when feeding young.
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Plants & Animals News
March 21, 2026
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Mar. 11, 2026 As deep-sea waters warm, scientists expected trouble for the microbes that help keep ocean chemistry in balance. Instead, researchers found that Nitrosopumilus maritimus can adapt to warmer, iron-limited conditions by using iron more efficiently. ...
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Mar. 21, 2026 A newly discovered Triassic reptile from the UK looked more like a racing greyhound than a crocodile, built for speed on land. With long legs and a ...
Mar. 19, 2026 Ravens have long been thought to follow wolves to find food, but new research shows they’re far more strategic. By tracking both animals in Yellowstone, scientists discovered that ravens memorize ...
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Mar. 18, 2026 Some feathered dinosaurs may have briefly taken to the skies—only to give it up later. By studying rare fossils with preserved feathers, researchers uncovered a surprising clue hidden in molting ...
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