Abstract
OXYGEN consumption1 and muscle power output2 of hovering hummingbirds are among the highest recorded for vertebrates. Maximum performance of hummingbirds thus approaches the upper limits of vertebrate aerobic locomotion3. Because air density is a major determinant of aerodynamic power requirements4, hovering flight performances5 can be manipulated non-invasively using nor-moxic gas mixtures of variable density6. Here we show that limits to the locomotor capacity of hovering ruby-throated hummingbirds are unequivocally indicated by aerodynamic failure at low densities less than half that of sea-level air. Hummingbirds demonstrate considerable power reserves, with muscle mass-specific power (assuming perfect elastic energy storage) averaging from 98 W kg-1 in normal air to a maximum value of 133 W kg-1 before aerodynamic failure. In contrast to such variable power expenditure, however, muscle efficiency remains approximately constant at 10%. Modulation of power output is attained primarily through variation in wing-stroke amplitude, with aerodynamic failure occurring near 180°.
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Chai, P., Dudley, R. Limits to vertebrate locomotor energetics suggested by hummingbirds hovering in heliox. Nature 377, 722–725 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1038/377722a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/377722a0
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