The Hummingbird's Hovering Helix
Channel: Delighted Curiosity
Date: 2024-02-14

Discover the incredible biomechanics behind a hummingbird's ability to hover. Unlike most birds, hummingbirds have a unique ball and socket joint at the shoulder that allows their wings to rotate 180 degrees in all directions, enabling them to trace a figure-eight pattern in the air—this motion creates lift with each flap, front and back, allowing them to hover with exquisite precision.