Can Any Animals Fly Backward?

Dragonflies and hummingbird are among the animals that can fly backward. They also can change directions in midair and can hover in place for about a minute. Hummingbirds are the only non-insects that can fly backward, and they generally do so only when they are done feeding on the nectar of a flower. Their wings remain straight, unlike most birds’ wings that bend in the middle, and this gives them more strength when flying. Although it was once thought that flying backward was not an efficient means of movement, research has found that flying backward uses the same amount of energy as forward flight and is about 20% more efficient than hovering in midair.

More about animal flight:

• The midge, a small insect similar to a mosquito, beats its wings about 62,760 times per minute — the fastest of any animal.


• There are about 40 types of fish that can "fly" up out of the water, reaching heights of about 4 feet (1.2 m).


• Bats are the only mammals that can fly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any animals fly backward?

Yes, certain animals can fly backward, with hummingbirds being the most notable example. These remarkable birds have a unique ball-and-socket joint at the shoulder that allows their wings to rotate 180 degrees in all directions, enabling them to fly backwards with ease and precision.

How do hummingbirds manage to fly in reverse?

Hummingbirds fly backward by swiftly rotating their wings in a figure-eight motion, which generates lift and propels them in the opposite direction. This wing motion is similar to the technique they use for hovering, showcasing their unparalleled aerial agility among birds.

Are there any other birds besides hummingbirds that can fly backward?

While hummingbirds are the most adept at flying backward, some other bird species can perform a limited backward flight when necessary, such as during a quick maneuver to avoid a predator or while engaging in aerial displays. However, these instances are not as controlled or sustained as the backward flight of hummingbirds.

Can insects fly backward as well?

Yes, many insects can fly backward. Dragonflies are particularly skilled at this, as they can hover and fly in any direction, including backward, thanks to their two sets of independently controlled wings. This ability is crucial for their hunting strategy and evasion from predators.

What evolutionary advantages do animals gain from being able to fly backward?

Flying backward offers several evolutionary advantages, such as enhanced maneuverability, the ability to escape from predators quickly, and greater precision when feeding or navigating through complex environments. For hummingbirds, it's particularly beneficial for extracting nectar from flowers while maintaining a stable position in the air.

Is backward flight unique to flying animals?

Backward movement is not unique to flying animals; many aquatic animals can also move in reverse. However, in the realm of flight, backward flight is a specialized skill that is relatively rare and is most prominently observed in hummingbirds and certain insects like dragonflies and hoverflies.