Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world. They are extremely small birds weighing around two to twenty grams. Females are larger than males. According to World Of Hummingbirds.com, the smallest hummingbird species in the world is the Cuban bee hummingbird, it measures five to six cm in length and weighs only two to two and a half grams. In the United States, most species measure three to three and a half inches in length. Even though they are the smallest birds in the world, they have the fastest wing beats of any other bird. Hummingbirds beat their wings more than a thousand times per minute. The rapid flapping of the wings produces a humming sound, hence their name. They can fly on average between twenty-five and thirty miles per hour and dive up to sixty miles per hour. The hummingbird's wings are relatively long and pointed, usually having short arms and forearms but long hands. They have over nine hundred features, but they have ten primary feathers on their wings used for flight (www.worldofhummingbirds.com). These speed demons can fly at speeds of up to sixty mph and are the only birds capable of flying backwards, this ability makes them so unique. In addition to their speed, their incredible flight control, they possess a remarkable capacity for incredible aerobatic flight and the ability to glide, as if suspended in the air. When hovering, they can fly backwards, up or down, what an amazing task! The secret to these flight patterns is their ability to rotate the shoulder joint to which the wing is attached, with little or no flexion of the wrist and hand joints. The shoulder and wing joint can move in all directions and rotate approximately one hundred and eighty degrees, or in a circle. The upper arm and front...... middle of paper......ls in West Virginia. Hummingbirds can live for more than ten years, with their average lifespan being around five years, but most die within the first year of life. (West Virginia Wildlife Magazine) If you own a hummingbird feeder and are considering getting one, there are a few things to keep in mind. The sugar water mixture should be one part white granulated sugar to four parts hot water; which will help the sugar dissolve. Allow the mixture to cool before placing it in the feeder. Do not use honey, juice, artificial sweeteners or brown sugar. Even though they are attracted to the color red, never use red food coloring, it could be harmful to them. Change the nectar twice a week, especially in the summer months when it can spoil quickly, if the weather is cloudy it spoils, get rid of it. Clean feeders regularly with a mild bleach solution to prevent mold. In conclusion, hummingbirds