One of the most unique creatures in North America, and indeed, the world, is the dynamic and colourful hummingbird. Hummingbirds are found only in the western hemisphere, and recorded accounts of this species' existence were not made until after Columbus discovered the Americas. Hummingbirds did, however, figure prominently in aboriginal folklore and art throughout both North and South America for centuries before European settlement. In addition to their undeniable beauty, one of the most fascinating aspects of hummingbirds is their amazing power of flight. With their wings moving at an incredible 78 beats per second, hummingbirds are able to hover, almost motionless, as they delicately feed from a flower. Even more awe-inspiring is their ability to fly both backwards and upside down! The informative text is accompanied by more than 120 lavish photographs. With descriptive species names such as the ruby-throated, violet-crowned, white-eared and green-breasted, it is no wonder that hummingbirds have been called "winged jewels" and that aviaries the world over are referred to as "jewel rooms." Hummingbirds is a truly striking collection of these beautiful and delicate birds. (2001)

NANCY NEWFIELD is a hummingbird enthusiast and Master Bander who has banded more than 6,000 species of hummingbird. Newfield has written numerous articles for Bird Watcher's Digest, Birder's World and The Nature Society, among others. She has authored the book Hummingbird Gardens with Barbara Neilsen and the birding guide Louisiana's Hummingbirds for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She lives in Louisiana.

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