Why do hummingbirds flap their wings so fast?

Hummingbirds are specialized for hovering, and that requires very fast wingbeats. Depending on the species, they can beat their wings dozens of times per second, which creates lift on both the downstroke and upstroke. This makes it possible to stay almost motionless in front of a flower while inserting a bill and tongue to drink nectar. Their high metabolism supports the energy cost of this intense activity, so they need frequent feeding. Hummingbird flight is one of the most remarkable aerodynamic feats in the bird world.