Why can't birds fly backwards?

Answer 1

I think a hummingbird can --(let me check) Hummingbird Facts ... A hummingbird can rotate each of its wings in a circle, allowing them to be the only bird which can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, sideways or sit in sheer space. To hover, hummingbirds move their wings forward and backward in a repeated figure eight, much like the arms of a swimmer treading water. Hummingbirds can move instantaneously in any direction, start from its perch at full speed, and doesn't necessarily slow up to land. Hummingbirds can even fly short distances upside down, a trick rollover they employ when being attacked by another bird.

http://www.humming-birds.com/facts.html

Answer 2

Can Birds Fly Backwards

Answer 3

In general birds fly on the principal of basic flight. The shapes of their wings only provide lift while in a forward motion.

However, the Humming Bird, can fly backwards. They have the unique ablilty to pivot their wings, allowing for a nearly reverse backward direction. Awsome!

Answer 4

I've seen birds flying backwards in a strong wind.

Answer 5

The only bird that can fly backwards is a hummingbird.

Answer 6

The leading edge of a birds wing is on the front of the wing. The edge guides the air movement over the top of the wing. The loose feathers are the 'flap', rear of the wing act just like scuba flippers. The air movement over a wing such as this can't be reversed.

Answer 7

The Humming bird can!

Answer 8

Same reason airplanes can't - the motion of their wings, combined with the shape of their wings, only creates lift if they move forward relative to themselves (that is, if air moves only front to back across their wings).

Answer 9

humming birds can, but i think they're the only ones

Answer 10

They are. We are just looking at them in the wrong direction.