Hummingbirds in Amazing Feeding Frenzy

I filmed this amazing action-packed feeding frenzy at her Mom's backyard hummingbird feeder where anywhere up to a dozen "hummers" visit in waves. These are Ruby Throated Hummingbirds: the males sport ruby throats, the females have whitish throats. Both male and females have iridescent green backs.

They make high squeaky sounds, and fiercely defend their territories. When hovering, hummingbirds hold their bodies upright and flap their wings horizontally in a shallow figure-eight. As the wings swing back they tilt flat for a moment before the wings are drawn. Most hummingbirds flap their wings about 50 or so times a second - all we see (as you can see for yourself in the video!) is a blur.

When defending their territory (and/or a food supply), they fan their tail feather and "face off" sometimes flying upwards together in a high-speed spiral. The males also display to the females by flying repeatedly in large arcs in front of them. Fascinating and joyful to watch.