Hummingbird vs. Ducks — What's the Difference?

They are the only birds capable of flying backwards.

Ducks are generally social birds, often seen in flocks.

Hummingbirds are the smallest migrating birds, known for their ability to hover in mid-air.

Many duck species migrate seasonally to exploit different breeding and feeding grounds.

They have an extremely high metabolism that requires them to eat half their body weight in sugar daily.

Ducks are adapted to live in water with webbed feet for swimming.

Hummingbirds often display iridescent feathers that can change color in different angles of light.

They have a diverse diet ranging from aquatic plants to small fish.

Outside of breeding, hummingbirds are solitary and territorial.

A plunge under water.

Hummingbirds are birds native to the Americas and comprise the biological family Trochilidae. With about 360 species, they occur from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but the vast majority of the species is found in the tropics.

Ducks are known for their wide range of vocalizations.

Any of numerous birds of the family Trochilidae found throughout the Americas, usually very small in size and having brilliant iridescent plumage, a long slender bill, and wings capable of beating very rapidly, thereby enabling the bird to hover.

Any of various wild or domesticated waterbirds of the family Anatidae, characteristically having a broad flat bill, short legs, and webbed feet.

Any of various small American birds in the family Trochilidae that have the ability to hover.

A female duck.

Any bird of the family Trochilidæ, of which over one hundred genera are known, including about four hundred species. They are found only in America and are most abundant in the tropics. They are mostly of very small size with long slender bills adapted to sucking nectar from flowers, and are noted for the very brilliant iridescent colors of their plumage and their peculiar habit of hovering about flowers while vibrating their wings very rapidly with a humming noise; the wings are specialized for hovering flight, but they can also dart forward and fly quite rapidly. They feed both upon the nectar of flowers and upon small insects. The common humming bird or ruby-throat of the Eastern United States is Trochilus colubris. Several other species are found in the Western United States. See Calliope, and Ruby-throat.

The flesh of a duck used as food.

Tiny American bird having brilliant iridescent plumage and long slender bills; wings are specialized for vibrating flight

(Slang) A person, especially one thought of as peculiar.

Often ducks (used with a sing. verb) Chiefly British A dear.

A quick lowering of the head or body.

A durable, closely woven heavy cotton or linen fabric.

Ducks Clothing made of duck, especially white pants.

An amphibious military truck used during World War II.

A similar vehicle used for civilian purposes, as to evacuate flood victims or for sightseeing tours. In both senses also called DUKW.

To lower quickly, especially so as to avoid something

To evade; dodge

To push (a person, for example) suddenly under water.

In bridge, to deliberately play a card that is lower than (an opponent's card).

To lower the head or body.

To move swiftly, especially so as to escape being seen

To submerge the head or body briefly in water.

To evade a responsibility or obligation. Often used with out

In bridge, to lose a trick by deliberately playing lower than one's opponent.

(poker slang) A pair of twos.

Dear (used as a pet name).

(nautical) The light trousers worn by sailors in hot climates.

Hummingbirds can hover due to their unique wing structure, allowing them to flap their wings in a figure-eight motion.

The primary diet of hummingbirds is nectar, which provides the necessary energy for their high metabolism.

Ducks have buoyant bodies and secrete an oil that helps keep their feathers waterproof, aiding in flotation.

No, hummingbirds are native to the Americas and are not found naturally elsewhere.

A group of ducks can be called a flock, raft, team, or paddling.

Some species can flap their wings up to 80 times per second in a hovering flight.

Hummingbirds can live up to 5 years or more in the wild, depending on the species.

They feed by using their long, specialized beaks to reach nectar inside flowers.

Ducks usually nest on the ground near water bodies but can also use nest boxes or platforms provided by humans.

Yes, ducks are proficient flyers capable of long-distance migrations, in addition to being excellent swimmers.

Yes, ducks are preyed upon by various animals, including foxes, large fish, and birds of prey.

Ducks use a variety of sounds and body movements to communicate with each other.

No, not all ducks quack. For example, male ducks (drakes) are generally quieter, and some species have different sounds.

Hummingbirds display a wide range of colors, often with iridescent feathers that can shimmer in sunlight.

Yes, many hummingbird species migrate seasonally to take advantage of flowering plants in different regions.