1. Tiny Size: Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds in the world. They range from 2 to 20 centimeters (0.8 to 8 inches) in length and weigh only a few grams.
2. Long, Thin Bill: Hummingbirds have long, thin, and pointed bills that are specially adapted for sipping nectar from flowers.
3. Rapid Wingbeat: Hummingbirds have an incredibly rapid wingbeat, with some species flapping their wings up to 80 times per second, resulting in a humming sound that gives them their name.
4. Brilliant Plumage: Hummingbirds are known for their iridescent plumage, which reflects light and creates a dazzling array of colors, often varying depending on the angle and light conditions.
5. Long Tongue: Hummingbirds possess a long, extendable tongue that can be as long as their bill, allowing them to reach deep into flowers to access nectar.
6. Lack of Sense of Smell: Despite their excellent eyesight, hummingbirds lack a sense of smell, so they rely heavily on their vision to find food and avoid predators.
7. Migration: Some hummingbird species undertake long migrations, traveling thousands of kilometers to escape harsh winter conditions and find abundant food sources.
8. High Metabolism: Hummingbirds have a high metabolic rate and need to consume a large amount of food relative to their tiny size, which is why they constantly feed on nectar and insects.
9. Sleep Patterns: Hummingbirds have a unique sleep pattern called torpor, where they conserve energy by entering a state of deep sleep during the night and sometimes during the day.
Remember that these are general characteristics, and there may be variations among different hummingbird species.