Hovering allows hummingbirds to slow to a stop almost instantly.

Alongside their massive muscles, this special lift-producing technique allows hummingbirds to achieve sustained hovering flight— an aerial feat no other bird can perform. Hovering lets hummingbirds slow to a stop almost instantly and assess scenarios in midair. Then, they can take off in any direction, reaching speeds faster than a fighter jet, relative to the bird’s size. And since they can beat each of their wings at different speeds and angles, the birds can perform incredible spins and turns all while flying backwards or even upside down.