What hummingbirds lack in size (the smallest of their kind weigh in around 2 grams) they more than make up for in beauty. These gorgeous birds come in all colors of the rainbow, which makes it all the more frustrating that their diminutive stature and speedy nature can make them rather elusive. In the blink of an eye, even the most observant birdwatcher misses so much—they flap their wings roughly 80 times every second, after all. Celebrate National Hummingbird Day by marveling at these incredible creatures, which would just be a blur without the help of photography.
 | |
| © DansPhotoArt on flickr - Getty Images |
A ruby-throated hummingbird enjoys a Lantana plant.
 |
| © Patrick Lhoir - Getty Images |
A pair of hummingbirds clash over the perfect perch.
 |
| © mallardg500 - Getty Images |
A rare Leucistic Anna's hummingbird visits the University of California, Santa Cruz Arboretum.
 |
| © Carlos Luis Camacho Photographs - Getty Images |
Hummingbirds feast on a man-made hummingbird feeder.
 |
| © SusanGaryPhotography - Getty Images |
An Allen's hummingbird darts through daisies.
 |
| © S.B. Nace - Getty Images |
A rofous-tailed hummingbird sits in its nest.
 |
| © Straublund Photography - Getty Images |
This soaring hummingbird has its pick of the garden.
 |
| © DeepDesertPhoto - Getty Images |
A broadbilled hummingbird brings some color to Arizona.
 |
| © Arthur Morris - Getty Images |
A chestnut-breasted coronet hummingbird takes flight.
 |
| © DansPhotoArt on flickr - Getty Images |
A ruby-throated hummingbird faces off against a honey bee.
 |
| © raycooperman - Getty Images |
A blue-chinned sapphire hummingbird gets a taste of sweet nectar.
 |
| © Juan Carlos Vindas - Getty Images |
A black-crested coquette shows off its impressive plumage.
 |
| © bmse - Getty Images |
A male Anna's hummingbird sits proudly on a tiny twig.
 |
| © Stephen J. Krasemann - Getty Images |
A ruby-throated hummingbird rests in the palm of a lucky bird lover's hand.
 |
| © Hal Beral - Getty Images |
A hummingbird mother feeds her chicks.
 |
| © Mark Newman - Getty Images |
A Costa's hummingbirds looks tough on a branch.
 |
| © Manuel ROMARIS - Getty Images |
A crowned woodnymph hummingbird goes beak-deep into a flower in Corcovado National Park.
 |
| © Mark Newman - Getty Images |
A white-necked jacobin hummingbird soars through the twilight sky.
 |
| © Dr Luis De La Maza - Getty Images |
Unattended hummingbird eggs sit quietly in the nest waiting for their mother to return.
 |
| © Tongho58 - Getty Images |
A male Allen's hummingbird hovers in front of its meal.
