The Family Trochilidae comprises the hummingbirds, small, brightly colored birds known for their rapid wing beats and extraordinary flight abilities, including hovering and flying backward. They have long, slender bills and specialized tongues for feeding primarily on nectar, though they also consume insects and spiders for protein. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas, ranging from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions. Their high metabolism supports energetic flight, and they play a critical role as pollinators, transferring pollen between flowers while feeding. Many species exhibit iridescent plumage and perform elaborate courtship displays.