-- PHYSICS & APPLIED ENGINEERING HUMMINGBIRD PROJECTS --

Some students involved with Operation RubyThroat may conduct projects in Physics or Applied Engineering.

Under this section we list questions about hummingbirds that are worthy of investigation, but we do not outline entire projects; in other words, the questions are intended to stimulate inquiry by students and others. Operation RubyThroat stands ready to advise student researchers about project design on an individual basis. For help on setting up your specific hummingbird research project, contact PROJECTS.

NOTE: Teachers and their student groups, individual students, and others who are registered participants with Operation RubyThroat get priority attention to all requests for information and assistance. To register, see How to Participate.

GROUP A: FLIGHT

-- Determine flight speeds of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (using stopwatch and/or video camera). Experiment to determine precisely the number of wingbeats per second by shooting in fast or slow mode.

GROUP B: ACOUSTICS

-- Analyze Ruby-throated Hummingbird vocalizations and wing sounds using basic sound-sampling equipment and computers.

GROUP C: OPTICS & LIGHT

-- Modify a basic flash apparatus for stop-action photography of hovering Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Determine precisely the number of wingbeats per second by correlating with the speed of the flash and/or the shutter speed.

-- The red gorget and green back of an adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird are actually neither red nor green; i.e., there are no pigments in those colors. RTHU colors are structural and come from scattering and refraction of light. Using a microscope, look at a hummingbird feather (that may have stuck to the feeder while the bird was eating) to determine the surface structure that causes the apparent colors.

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