Apodiformes
This order consists of 3 families of birds. Swifts are found around the world but hummingbirds are new-world species only. Sun-birds and honeyeaters fill the role in other parts of the world.
| Family | Common name | Total number |
| Apodidae | Swifts | 99 (18 genera) |
| Hemiprocnidae | Crested Swifts | ? |
| Trochilidae | Humming-birds | 319 (119 genera) |
Hummingbirds are the only bird that can fly backwards in addition to forward. In essence they are more like helecopters than airplanes. Relative to their body size they have the largest arms of any bird.
LINKS
- LIST of Apodidae species
- Description of Hemiprocnidae by Don Roberson
- Description of Trochilidae: Hummingbird by Don Roberson
By Rob Nelson
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