. Normal speed during flight is between 25 - 30 mph, and during normal flight a hummingbird's wings beat about 60-80 times per second. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly both forward and backwards, and hummingbirds can also hover in mid-air, fly sideways and even upside-down. Beija-Flor: Portuguese for Flower-Kisser. Chupaflor: Spanish for Flower-Sucker. Joyas Voladoras: Spanish for Flying-Jewels. Picaflor: Spanish for Flower-Nibbler. El Zunzun: Caribbean for The Hummer. ... ruby ...