Admiring Hummingbirds: The ‘Beauties’ of the Bird World
Hummingbirds, also known as the “bee birds,” are a small family of birds with over 300 species found worldwide. They are renowned for their vibrant plumage and diminutive size, with the smallest hummingbird being the bumblebee hummingbird in Cuba, weighing only about 2 grams.
Research by American scientists published in 2006 reveals that hummingbirds generate 75% of their lift from the downward motion of their wings and the remaining 25% from the upward motion, whereas other birds rely 100% on the downward wing beat for lift. This unique feature allows hummingbirds to hover above a flower for extended periods without falling.
Inspired by these birds, the U.S. has developed a hummingbird-like reconnaissance drone capable of vertical takeoff and landing, hovering, and moving forward and backward. Besides its surveillance role, this drone can assist in locating victims in collapsed buildings or detecting hazardous chemical leaks.
