Book 31, Question 95 · Video
What makes the hum in a hummingbird?
The hum comes from a hummingbird’s wings. They beat so fast, roughly 50 times a second in many small species, that the beats blend into a buzzing tone. Larger hummingbirds have slower wing beats and make a lower hum. If you hear a soft hum near a flower, look carefully. It may be a hummingbird zipping by, making a sound without any voice.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What makes the hum in a hummingbird?
The Big Idea
Listen! What's that buzzing sound? It might be a hummingbird! What makes the hum?
Wing Beats
Step one: Wing Beats. The hum comes from a hummingbird's wings, not its voice. In many small species, the wings beat about 50 times a second.
Blending Into a Buzz
Step two: Blending Into a Buzz. The beats are so fast that they blend into a buzzing tone. That's the hum you hear.
Big and Small
Step three: Big and Small. Larger hummingbirds have slower wing beats and make a lower hum. If you hear a soft hum near a flower, look carefully. It may be a hummingbird zipping by.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Make the sound. About 50 beats. A buzz. Lower hum.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! The hummingbird's name comes from the sound its wings make. Many small hummingbirds beat their wings about 50 times a second. Bigger hummingbirds hum lower. Listen for hums near flowers.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Stretch a rubber band between two fingers. Pluck it and listen. Stretch it tighter and pluck again. Which sound is higher? Faster wiggles make a higher sound, just like faster wing beats.
Outro
A hummingbird's hum comes from its wings, which beat about 50 times a second in many small species and blend into a buzzing tone. Bigger hummingbirds beat slower and hum lower. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!