Home AnimalsWildlifeBirds Subscribe to RSS

Can Birds Fly Backwards?

Answer Question

3 Answers - Sort by: Date | Rating

    No, as a rule birds cannot fly backwards, apart from the hummingbird.  Because birds can circle, often in an extremely tight space, they can turn around and so effectively there is no need for them to 'reverse'.  Besides flying backwards would put them at a  distinct disadvantage, since they would not be able to see danger and may not be able to hunt prey so effectively, so it is not a worthwhile function for most birds.
    However, the hummingbird's flight muscles are actually the largest in relation to the rest of its body, compared with all other birds.
    Due to the rapid wing beat and specially developed wings and shoulder joints, the hummingbird can perform more manoeuvres than any other bird.  It can hover, fly slowly or quickly forward, it can go up or down, sideways or even backwards.  But most other birds have to settle for just going forward !
    0 0

    Hedgehog  

    answered 3 years ago

    How do you know ive seen a bird fly back wards before
    Report
    Azo9o9

    Azo9o9

    commented 10 months ago

      The only bird that can really fly backwards, vertical and any other direction, is a hummingbird.
      0 0

      Erhs_finch  

      answered 2 years ago

        Yes they can from hannah
        0 0

        Guest  

        answered 3 weeks ago

        More

           
           

          Ask a Question via Twitter

          Send a question to @askblurtit and we will publish it online and send you a reply everytime you receive an answer.

          Blurtit Store

          Get T-shirts, hoodies, caps and more at the Blurtit store

          Blurtit International