How fast can a hummingbird fly? Depending on the species, a hummingbird's wings can flap at varying speeds. Hummingbirds' wings beat quicker as they get smaller. About 50 times per second, ruby-throated hummingbird wing speed. A rufous hummingbird's wings can beat at a rate of 52 to 62 times per second. The huge Andean hummingbird, which is roughly the size of a cardinal, has a hum that goes at a rate of 12 beats per second. The Cuban bee hummingbird, which is only 2 inches in length from head to tail, is the tiniest bird in the world. It can reach speeds of 80 beats per second with its wings.

Thanks to high-speed motion photography, researchers can now quantify and analyze wing movements that were previously invisible to the naked eye. A hummingbird may flap its wings up to 80 times per second while in mid-air. Some males of diving species can flap their wings at incredible speeds to attract females. Can you guess how fast a hummingbird can fly? Further, hummingbirds are capable of speeds of up to 30 miles per hour during the flight. They dive at three times the normal speed during these spectacular courtship displays.