Wooden hummingbird model - GIF

[mklotz]

In addition to being a fantastic work of kinetic art, he's managed to correctly duplicate a lot of the complex motions of the hummingbird.

Unlike most birds, hummers drive their wings in a figure eight motion which produces lift on the downstroke (75%) and the upstroke (25%).

He's also captured the flaring of the tail used to push down on the air when the bird rises.

The stationary head while feeding and the approach-retreat feeding action are also spot on for hummers.

We're lucky to live in an area with lots of the little gems as this picture taken during happy hour at one of our feeders will show...