All About Hummingbirds for Kids - Hummingbird Facts for Children- FreeSchool.

Hummingbirds are tiny birds that are known for their bright, colorful feathers and their ability to fly in any direction, including backwards. They are always on the move, flitting from flower to flower in search of nectar to eat. Hummingbirds are found in North, Central, and South America, and they come in hundreds of different species, each with their own unique colors and patterns. They are very small, usually much smaller than other birds, and can fly very quickly, up to 60 miles or 95 kilometers per hour. They are also famous for their fast wing beats, which can reach up to 80 beats per second. Most importantly, hummingbirds can hover. You won't see any other birds doing that. One of the most interesting things about hummingbirds is the way they feed. They have long, thin beaks that are perfectly adapted for sipping nectar from flowers, and because they need to eat constantly to fuel their fast metabolism, they are always on the move. Hummingbirds will also sometimes feed on insects, especially when they are raising their young. In addition to their amazing flying abilities, hummingbirds are also known for their incredible migrations. Some species travel thousands of miles each year to escape the cold weather and find food. In spring, they fly back to their breeding grounds and build tiny nests where they lay their eggs and raise their young. They are known for building small, cup-shaped nests that are perfectly sized for their tiny bodies. They are usually made of twigs, moss, and other plant materials, and are often lined with soft things like feathers or spider silk. The female hummingbird will spend up to a week building the nest using her beak and her feet, shaping and molding it until it is just the right size and shape for her to lay her eggs in. Hummingbird nests are incredibly small, usually measuring less than about 2 inches or 5 centimeters across. They are so small that they can often be mistaken for a small clump of leaves or moss. Inside the nest, the female hummingbird will lay two or three tiny eggs, which she will then incubate for about two weeks. Once the eggs hatch, the chicks will stay in the nest for about three weeks while the mother hummingbird will continue to feed them until they are strong enough to fly on their own. Hummingbirds are a true marvel of nature, and with a little bit of luck and patience, you might just be able to spot one in your own backyard.