Birds

what birds can fly backwards


Birds that Can Fly Backwards

Flying backwards is a skill you’d expect to see in Hollywood action movies, but it’s no special effect – some birds can actually perform this amazing feat.

Rufous Hummingbird

The hummingbird is the only bird that can hover and fly backwards in a straight line. They can achieve this feat by rapidly flapping their wings too and fro, allowing them to suspend in the air and fly whenever they wish.

Barn Swallow

The barn swallow is an agile flyer that has amazing aerial maneuvers in its repertoire. That includes flying backwards, which they do when taking a second look at food or during a fight.

Atlantic Puffin

The Atlantic puffin is capable of amazing speeds underwater and in the air. When its prey is close, it can usually swim faster than it can fly. So, in some cases, the Atlantic puffin will fly backwards to get back to its prey faster.

Peregrine Falcon

Among the fastest birds in the air, the Peregrine falcon can reach incredible speeds of up to 200 mph. While in the air, it can fly up to five times faster than normal. To let its prey know that it’s too late for them to escape, it will sometimes swoop down and fly backwards for a few seconds.

Raven

The raven is one of the most intelligent avians out there and is also likely the most flexible in the air. It has the ability to fly backwards doing a motion similar to what hummingbirds can do. Ravens can utilize this skill to snag food from surprising angles, as well as to impress potential mates.

All in all, the birds which can fly backwards are the Rufous Hummingbird, Barn Swallow, Atlantic Puffin, Peregrine Falcon, and the Raven. They all have incredible skills that allow them to show off impressive aerial acrobatics and fly through the sky backwards.

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