All About Swifts and Hummingbirds

Perfectly adapted to life in the air: Swifts and hummingbirds have short legs, long wings, and a slender body!

All About Swifts and Hummingbirds All About Swifts and Hummingbirds - Photos (TL-BR): Melinda Fawver, fluffandshutter, Dec Hogan, Drakuliren/Shutterstock

What are Swifts and Hummingbirds?

Swifts and hummingbirds belong to the Apodiformes. This scientific name literally translates to "footless". This is because their legs are extremely short. These birds are true masters of flight, spending most of their lives airborne. Hummingbirds can even hover in place and fly backwards, a unique ability among birds.

Main Characteristics of Swifts and Hummingbirds

1. They Have Very Short Legs

Swifts possess very short legs. They are so short that they are not suitable for walking. They can only use them to grip onto surfaces. The shortest legs belong to the common swift, measuring just a few millimeters. However, many other species also have legs that are so short they are barely visible to the naked eye.

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2. They Have Long, Narrow Wings

Most swifts have long and narrow wings. This design creates minimal air resistance, allowing for quick changes in direction.

3. They Have Slender Bodies

Swifts have a very slim, streamlined body that minimizes air resistance. This adaptation helps them conserve energy and enables faster flight.

Swifts and Hummingbird Family Tree

Apodiformes Family Tree

Amazing Facts About Swifts and Hummingbirds

There are more than 460 species of apodiformes.
They are divided into three groups: true swifts, tree swifts, and hummingbirds.
Most apodiformes live in tropical regions.
In Germany, the only apodiformes you can find are the common swift and the alpine swift.
True swifts and tree swifts are carnivores. They eat insects and spiders that they catch while flying.
Hummingbirds are omnivores. They primarily consume nectar but occasionally eat insects as well.
The largest apodiformes is the giant hummingbird, which can grow up to 9 inches (23 cm) long.
The smallest apodiformes is the bee hummingbird, measuring just 2.2 inches (57 mm) in length.
The sword-billed hummingbird has the longest bill of all birds - relative to its body size. Its bill can reach up to 4 inches (10.2 cm) while its body measures 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm).