The bee hummingbird of Cuba weighs less than a US penny — and the sword-billed hummingbird's beak is longer than its body, evolved alongside a single passionflower species. This quiz covers Trochilidae diversity, hovering biomechanics, migration feats, and the only birds that can fly backwards.
Each round presents 10 randomized questions from a pool of 50, with four multiple-choice options and instant feedback after every answer. Your final score comes with a performance tier and shareable results.
You'll cover hummingbird anatomy, the figure-8 wing motion that lets them fly backwards, torpor that drops body temperature 30°C overnight, the Ruby-throated's nonstop Gulf of Mexico crossing, the Rufous's 6,400 km Alaska-to-Mexico migration, and famous species from the Andean giant hummingbird to the Cuban bee hummingbird.
The bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) of Cuba — about 5-6 cm long and just 1.6-2 grams. It's smaller than some butterflies and weighs less than a US penny.
Most hummingbirds beat their wings 50-80 times per second in normal flight. Some species exceed 200 beats per second during courtship dives. They also have the highest heart rate of any bird, over 1,000 bpm.
Yes — hummingbirds are the only birds that can sustain true backward flight, thanks to a figure-8 wing motion in which they generate lift on both the upstroke and downstroke.
Last updated: May 2026