Can Birds Fly Backwards?
No, as a rule birds cannot fly backwards, apart from the hummingbird. Because birds can circle, often in an extremely tight space, they can turn around and so effectively there is no need for them to ‘reverse’. Besides flying backwards would put them at a distinct disadvantage, since they would not be able to see danger and may not be able to hunt prey so effectively, so it is not a worthwhile function for most birds. However, the hummingbird’s flight muscles are actually the largest in relation to the rest of its body, compared with all other birds. Due to the rapid wing beat and specially developed wings and shoulder joints, the hummingbird can perform more manoeuvres than any other bird. It can hover, fly slowly or quickly forward, it can go up or down, sideways or even backwards. But most other birds have to settle for just going forward !
