Birds that hover. NDR

Eric Caswell

Eric Caswell

Active member
It came up on the news tonight that Humming Birds are the only birds that hover and fly backwards. What do you call it when the Kingfisher stops and appears to hover, backs up then goes forward only to appear to hover again?

While I'm at it what do you call it when flocks of shore birds appear to move as one body. Are widgeon the only ducks that do that?

Thanks,
Eric
 
There are quite a few birds that can hover but I don't believe that a kingfishers can fly backwards without wind pushing them. Hummingbirds can control their flight on their own in any direction. At least that is what I have always heard. Can't say I've seen a kingfisher go backwards like a hummingbird.

Synchronized flying??? I think there is some scientific name for it but that is beyond me. Baikal teal do it on a large scale. Not sure if they do in small flocks. http://www.jawgp.org/anet/anafo104.htm

Tim
 
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