Both hawks and hummingbirds are incredibly fast birds, but which one is actually faster? This article will examine the top speeds of different hawk and hummingbird species to determine which group overall has the edge when it comes to velocity.
Speeds of Different Hawk Species
There are many different species of hawks, ranging in size from small to large. Here are the top speeds for some of the most common hawk species:
- Peregrine Falcon: 240 mph+ (Stoop dive)
- Red-Tailed Hawk: 40-60 mph
- Harris’s Hawk: 40 mph
- Northern Goshawk: 40 mph
- Cooper’s Hawk: 40 mph
- Red-Shouldered Hawk: 35 mph
- Broad-Winged Hawk: 35 mph
- Swainson’s Hawk: 35 mph
The peregrine falcon is by far the fastest hawk species, capable of reaching speeds over 240 mph when diving vertically on prey (called a stoop). Other hawk species max out around 40 mph in level flight. So while most hawks are moderately fast flyers, the peregrine falcon stands out with its incredible velocity.
Speeds of Different Hummingbird Species
There are over 300 species of hummingbirds, which also range in size from very small to relatively large. Here are speed records for some well-known hummingbirds:
- Mexican free-tailed bat: 69 mph
- Blue-throated hummingbird: 55 mph
- Rufous hummingbird: 50 mph
- Ruby-throated hummingbird: 48 mph
- Black-chinned hummingbird: 48 mph
- Anna’s hummingbird: 44 mph
- Calliope hummingbird: 40 mph
- Broad-tailed hummingbird: 40 mph
The fastest measured speed for a hummingbird is around 69 mph, though most species max out between 40-55 mph. So hummingbirds are not quite as fast in level flight as the fastest diving peregrine falcons, but all hummingbirds are still extremely swift fliers.
Comparing Diving Speed vs Level Flight Speed
One difficulty in comparing the speeds of hawks and hummingbirds is that their velocity is measured differently. The peregrine falcon’s speed record measures its velocity during a stoop dive, while hummingbird speeds are measured in level flight.
Diving speeds of birds are typically much faster than level flight speed. When diving, birds can streamline their bodies and put all their energy into accelerating downward without the need to generate lift under their wings.
So while peregrine falcons can reach 240+ mph in a dive, their level flight speed is estimated to be only around 40-55 mph. This is similar to the top recorded speeds of hummingbirds.
For a fair comparison of level flight velocity, we should look at the maximum speeds attained by hawks and hummingbirds not diving. And in level flight, it appears that hawks and hummingbirds have similar top speeds in the 40-55 mph range, with the fastest hummingbird species edging out the fastest hawk species.
Acceleration Ability
Another consideration is acceleration ability. Hummingbirds and some hawk species can rapidly accelerate and change direction with incredible agility. Here’s how their acceleration capabilities compare:
- Peregrine falcon: Can accelerate to 200 mph in under 8 seconds
- Harris’s hawk: Can go from 0 to 45 mph in 4 seconds
- Anna’s hummingbird: 0 to 27 mph in less than 1/20th of a second
So hummingbirds have a greater acceleration ability over short distances. They aren’t quite as fast at top speed, but their small size allows them to accelerate ridiculously quickly up to their maximum velocity.
Differences in Flight Style
Hawks and hummingbirds also have very different flight styles adapted for their particular ecological roles.
Most hawks engage primarily in gliding or soaring flight. They take advantage of thermals (rising columns of warm air) to effortlessly gain altitude, then glide moderate distances between flaps. This allows them to conserve energy as they scan below for prey.
Hummingbirds engage in sustained hovering and are specialized for precise maneuverability. Their wings can beat up to an incredible 80 times per second, allowing them to instantly stop and accelerate in any direction.
So while hawks rely on bursts of power and speed during dives or chases, hummingbirds can sustain their top speed over longer durations as they visit flowers.
Differences in Size
Size is a major factor influencing speed. As a general rule, larger birds tend to be faster flyers. This is due to having more wing area to generate lift and thrust with each flap.
Most hawks are substantially larger than hummingbirds. For example, a red-tailed hawk may be over 20 inches long with a 4 foot wingspan. The ruby-throated hummingbird is only 3-4 inches long with a wingspan of 3-4 inches.
So the larger size of most hawk species allows them to fly faster than similarly sized hummingbirds. But on a relative scale, hummingbirds are still extremely swift birds for their tiny size.
Flight Musculature and Metabolism
Two other physiological factors that influence speed capabilities are a bird’s flight muscles and metabolism.
Hawks and hummingbirds are estimated to have a similar relative muscle mass dedicated to powering flight, around 25% of their total body weight. However, hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any animal relative to their size, which enables them to sustain energy output.
Hummingbirds have the ability to rapidly process sugars and oxygen to fuel their exertion, with heart beat rates over 1,200 bpm. Hawks have a much slower metabolism. This allows hummingbirds to maintain their top speed longer despite their small size.
Role of Dive Speed in Hunting
While the peregrine falcon isn’t quite as fast in level flight as some hummingbird species, its stoop diving speed has more functional significance for hunting.
By attaining speeds over 240 mph in a dive, peregrines can surprise and strike birds in mid-flight. No other aerial predator combines speed and power in a diving attack like peregrines. This sets them apart as specialist hunters of other birds.
Hummingbirds seldom hunt other flying animals. Their speed allows them to escape predators and efficiently collect flower nectar and insects. So in terms of predation, the peregrine’s diving speed gives it the highest velocity of any hunting bird.
Flight Speed and Migration
Migration is another scenario where flight speed comes into play. Both hummingbirds and hawk migrate long distances each year. Faster flight can minimize energy costs and time spent in migration.
Most hummingbirds migrate alone at night when flying insects are less available. Their high metabolism allows them to sustain energy without feeding over vast distances. Some species like the ruby-throated hummingbird travel non-stop over 500-600 miles across the Gulf of Mexico.
Hawks often migrate together in daylight when thermals for soaring are more abundant. The peregrine falcon holds the record for the longest non-stop migration by a bird, traveling over 4,500 miles from Eastern Canada to South America.
So greater flight speed supports such arduous long-distance migration in both groups, though they employ different strategies.
Specialized Feathers
The aerodynamic properties of a bird’s feathers also impact speed capability. Both hawks and hummingbirds possess specialized feathers that aid their speed and agility.
Most hawk tail feathers are broad with a wide surface area. This helps provide lift and stabilization in flight. And slotted wing tips minimize turbulence and drag across wing edges as they dive.
Hummingbird tail feathers are adapted to generate lift on both the upstroke and downstroke. And flexible shoulder joints allow their wings to rotate in a figure 8 pattern for precision hovering.
So hawk and hummingbird feathers have evolved to optimize each group’s particular style of specialized rapid flight.
Reaction Speed
One final consideration is reaction speed, which is a measure of how quickly a bird can respond to stimuli. This becomes important when chasing prey or escaping threats.
Hummingbirds and hawks have two of the fastest reaction times in the bird world. One study found that hummingbirds can alter their direction in just 30 milliseconds in response to a flower position change.
Hawks have a similar reaction time of 30-50 milliseconds when responding to sights or sounds that could indicate prey or predators. This allows them to rapidly give chase or evade as needed.
Overall, both groups possess exceptionally fast reaction speeds to match their rapid velocities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the peregrine falcon can reach the highest absolute speed in its hunting dive, hummingbirds can match or slightly exceed the fastest hawk species in terms of level flight velocity and acceleration over short distances.
However, there are many differences between hawks and hummingbirds in terms of flight styles, physiologies, sizes, and ecological roles that influence their speed capabilities. Hummingbirds are adapted for sustained hovering and rapid maneuverability, while hawks rely more on powerful stooping attacks.
So it’s difficult to definitively say which group is the fastest flyer overall. But both hawk and hummingbird species stand out as masters of speed and agility in the avian world.
| Hawk Species | Top Speed |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | 240+ mph (stoop dive) |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | 40-60 mph |
| Harris’s Hawk | 40 mph |
| Hummingbird Species | Top Speed |
| Mexican free-tailed bat | 69 mph |
| Blue-throated hummingbird | 55 mph |
| Rufous hummingbird | 50 mph |
Key Points
- Peregrine falcon is fastest in dive at 240+ mph; 40-55 mph in level flight
- Fastest hummingbirds reach 50-69 mph in level flight
- Hummingbirds have greater acceleration and ability to sustain top speed
- Hawks rely on stooping attacks, hummingbirds on maneuverability
- Both groups have exceptionally fast reaction times
In terms of specialized rapid flight, both hawks and hummingbirds stand out as incredibly swift fliers. While they achieve speed differently, these two groups exemplify the aerodynamic adaptations and physiology required to attain velocities unmatched by most other birds.
So while they may employ different styles, hawks and hummingbirds both push the boundaries of speed, agility and precision when it comes to powered flight. When one witnesses these magnificent birds hunting, migrating and going about their lives, it’s clear they have mastered the art of speed in the sky.
Of all the species on earth, birds have evolved for the fastest and most agile flight. And hawks and hummingbirds rank among the most impressive in aviation ability. Their speed and aerial skills never cease to amaze us and capture our imaginations whenever we are lucky enough to observe them take to the air.
So in determining if hawks or hummingbirds are faster fliers, perhaps the better conclusion is that both groups are incredibly swift, specialized and gifted in their own unique forms of flight. They exemplify the pinnacle of speed attainable by their feathered forelimbs.
While debates may persist about which specific species holds speed records, when seeing these birds fly it’s undeniable we are witnessing Mother Nature’s aeronautical talents fully expressed. Both hawks and hummingbirds astound in their aerial speeds and maneuvers.
One can simply appreciate that whether diving at incredible angles or hovering with perfect precision, these avian acrobats show us what’s possible within the laws of physics when evolution tunes an animal over millennia for life on the wing.
The speeds of hawks and hummingbirds push boundaries that amaze and inspire the human imagination. These tiny-winged titans put on displays that allow us to momentarily glimpse the magic of bird flight in all its heart-racing glory.
So while numerically measuring and comparing their maximum velocity in miles per hour may be interesting, the true wonder comes from watching hawks and hummingbirds go about their days. As terrestrial creatures, the fact that any animal can attain such speed and grace in the air at all is nothing short of magical.
Any chance we get to marvel at these feathered rockets in action should be seized. The experience of witnessing masterful aerialists traversing the skies makes determining a “fastest bird” seem trivial. After all, “fastest” depends on how it’s measured. But “awe-inspiring” is beyond measurable limits.
So next time you’re privileged to observe a hawk diving or hummingbird hovering in a blur of motion, just take a moment to appreciate the wonder of animal flight on display. No matter which species holds speed records, one thing is clear – to achieve such velocity, these birds are undeniable masters of the air.
