Prominent in myth and legend, the hummingbird is revered for its jewel-like colours and legendary aeronautical skills: it can speed as fast as thirty miles an hour, fly straight up, sideways or backwards, or even hover like a helicopter. Some say the 319 species of hummingbirds that range over South and North America are more highly evolved than any other birds. Without question, theirs is a fascinating natural history. Toops details that history with a lively discussion of courtship, nesting, and territorial and migratory behaviours. In particular, she emphasises eight species of hummingbirds seen regularly in the United States. Includes chapters on landscaping to attract hummingbirds, practical suggestions for selecting and maintaining feeders, and the best locales to find hummingbirds. In addition, a section of hummingbird legends is included.