Achievement

CiBER IGERT Trainee Erica Kim is writing the results of her project on the vertical flight of hummingbirds. In this project, she has discovered that hummingbirds are able to perform controlled ascents and descents at speeds greater than those reported of any other animal! Additionally, Erica has shown that male Anna's hummingbirds fly at near maximum upward speeds during their display dive performances. In terms of biomechanics, these findings are relevant for understanding how controlled vertical flight is accomplished in animals. It reveals how hummingbirds can navigate the Vortex Ring State descent regime, or how they can generate lift to perform climbing flight at such high speeds. Her findings are also relevant ecologically, as these flights are used in a wide variety of behaviors, such as mating displays. Her data are being used to design the next generation micro-air vehicles.