Hummingbird for Kids
Hummingbirds are tiny, speedy birds that can hover like helicopters! They love sipping sweet nectar from bright flowers.
Fun Facts About Hummingbirds
- Hummingbirds flap their wings up to 80 times per second!
- They can fly backwards and upside down.
- They drink nectar from flowers using their long beaks.
- They are amazing at hovering in place, and they are the only birds that can fly backwards.
What Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Hummingbirds drink sweet flower nectar and sometimes eat tiny insects for protein.
Let’s Learn More!
Draw a hummingbird hovering near a red flower, or trace the word “HUMMINGBIRD”!
More to Discover
- Hummingbirds can flap their wings up to 80 times every second.
- They are the only birds that can fly backwards.
New words to learn: hover, nectar, flutter, tiny
Try This: Flutter your arms as fast as you can — can you keep it up like a hummingbird?
🏫 Classroom Activity
Have children flutter their arms as fast as they can to imitate a hummingbird's wings, then "hover" in one spot before darting to a different pretend flower. Talk about why hummingbirds need so much energy.
🏠 Homeschool Activity
Make a simple paper flower and talk about how a hummingbird's long beak reaches deep inside to sip nectar. If you have a garden, watch for real hummingbirds visiting bright red or orange flowers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Where do hummingbirds live?
Hummingbirds live in gardens, forests, and tropical areas across the Americas.
What do hummingbirds eat?
Hummingbirds drink flower nectar and sometimes eat tiny insects for protein.
How fast do hummingbird wings flap?
A hummingbird's wings can flap up to 80 times per second, creating a humming sound.
Can hummingbirds really fly backwards?
Yes. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards, and they can hover in place better than almost any other bird.
What activities help kids learn about hummingbirds?
Fluttering arms fast, drawing a hummingbird near a flower, talking about nectar, or coloring a printable worksheet.