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Hummingbirds have hypnotized humans since our ancestors first reached the Americas centuries ago.
These minuscule birds are a wonder of the natural world, packing several almost otherworldly powers into their barely believable bodies.
Dr. Emma Greig, project leader of Project FeederWatch at Cornell Lab of Ornithology, said one reason hummingbirds are so exceptional is because they are the smallest birds in the world.
She told Newsweek: "They have extremely high metabolisms and burn lots of calories during the day, but at night they can slow down their metabolism and go into a very deep sleep. This allows them to survive the many hours of the night without food."
The hummingbird is also the only bird species able to fly backwards, which proves a helpful power when feasting on the nectar of plants and insects.
Wild bird feed producer Woodstream Corporation says this ability is important as hummingbirds consume up to 50 percent of their body weight in nectar each day.
The company told Newsweek: "During their twice-a-year migration, they increase their nectar intake considerably since they have no idea where their next meal will come from."
Newsweek asked ornithology experts to share some of the most amazing aspects about these stunning birds' migratory habits.
Where Are Hummingbirds From?
While there are more than 360 species of hummingbirds, only one—the ruby-throated hummingbird—breeds and raises its young in the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Erik Johnson, director of conservation science at bird protection organization Audubon Delta, said 16 additional hummingbird species can be found in the West, adding "many of which only barely make it into the U.S. in southeast Arizona or south Texas."
He told Newsweek: "Most of these species migrate south to warmer climates for the winter, primarily into Mexico. Although in recent decades, a variety of species have become regular to people's gardens across the southeastern U.S. and some hummingbirds will try to winter even farther north."
Howard Youth, senior writer and editor at the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), told Newsweek: "The hardiest in terms of staying year-round in a large area of the U.S. (and Southwest Canada) is the Anna's Hummingbird.
"A few others occur year-round (a population of the Allen's Hummingbird in southern California and the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, which is found in South Texas all year but seems to be increasingly seen in winter along the Gulf Coast; also, Costa's Hummingbird stays in part of its range year-round in the desert Southwest). "
Why Do Hummingbirds Migrate?
While different hummingbirds have different routes, most hummers in North America usually migrate to Central or South America for the winter.
Greig said the reason for this migration is "to avoid the cold and to follow their food sources, which are flowering plants and insects."
She told Newsweek: "Migration is difficult on birds and many likely do perish, though I don't know specific mortality rates for hummingbirds and they certainly vary by location and species. Climate change may be causing some hummingbirds to winter farther north than they used to because winters are becoming milder in some areas."
How To Help Hummingbirds In The Winter
David Wiedenfeld, ABC's senior conservation scientist, believes "if you do have a hummer that's staying around past November, make sure you do keep it fed."
He said: "Maintain your feeder, clean and full, and keep it thawed. A heat lamp directed at the feeder will help keep it unfrozen. It should also be hung in a protected place, as much out of the wind and rain as possible.
"If it does freeze, thaw or replace it as soon as possible. Early morning is critical—make sure they have a thawed feeder as soon as there is light. Late afternoon is also critical—if it's cold out, make sure the feeder is thawed in late afternoon so the hummer can tank up before dark.
"If you're going to be away for an extended period, make sure you have a human who can be back up, and keep your feeder full, clean, and unfrozen. The little bird has to eat.
"I should add that if you don't have a heat lamp or no power outlet to allow you to put it on your feeder, you'll need to frequently bring the feeder in to thaw and have warm syrup to replace it. And make sure you have it out first thing in the morning."
The Woodstream Corporation added: "Hummingbird feeders have been shown to not create dependencies or impact migration timing. They are great insurance food sources for these traveling birds."
Other Hummingbird Facts
Hummingbirds earned their unusual name because of the drone made by their wings, used to maintain perfect positional control.
While a ruby-throated hummingbird's wings beat approximately 70 times per second in direct flight, it can easily top 200 times per second while diving.
Hummingbirds can also see colors invisible to the human eye—thanks to a fourth type of cone in their eyes, as opposed to our three types. According to the researchers, hummingbirds can see colors including UV+red, UV+green, and UV+purple, in addition to hues totally unknown to the human eye.
Hummingbirds are exceptionally quick and are capable of flying up to 45 miles per hour. And these incredible creatures can also maintain a fast pace for long periods; migratory ruby-throated hummingbirds have been recorded flying up to 20 hours continuously, powered by their fat stores and a little help from the wind.
