hum·ming·bird / ˈhəmingˌbərd/ • n. a small nectar-feeding tropical American bird (family Trochilidae) that is able to hover and fly backward, typically having colorful iridescent plumage. Its numerous specious include the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) of the eastern US.

hummingbird Popular name for small, brilliantly coloured birds of the family Trochilidae, found in s and n America. Hummingbirds feed in flight on insects and nectar, usually by hovering in front of flowers. Their speed can reach 100km/h (60mph) and their wings, which beat 50–75 times a second, make a humming sound. Length: 6–22cm (2.2–8.6in).