Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 96

Which bird makes a humming sound by flapping its wings?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the unique ability of the bird to hover and the sound it makes.

Correct Answer: C) Humming bird.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The hummingbird is a small bird known for its unique ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping its wings. This rapid wing movement creates a humming sound, which is the source of the bird's name. The hummingbird is the only bird capable of sustained hovering, which it achieves by flapping its wings up to 80 times per second. This high-frequency wing movement is what produces the characteristic humming sound.

The hummingbird's wings are specially adapted for this rapid movement. They are long and narrow, allowing for a wide range of motion. The wings can rotate in a figure-eight pattern, which provides lift on both the upstroke and downstroke. This unique wing motion is what enables the hummingbird to hover and fly in any direction, including backwards and upside down.

Other birds, such as the Great bustard, Tailor bird, and Flowerpecker, do not have this ability. The Great bustard is a large bird known for its impressive mating displays, but it does not produce a humming sound. The Tailor bird is known for its nest-building skills, where it uses plant fibers to sew leaves together, but it does not make a humming sound. The Flowerpecker is a small bird that feeds on nectar and fruits, but it does not have the rapid wing movement that produces a humming sound.

Therefore, the hummingbird is the only bird among the given options that makes a humming sound by flapping its wings. This unique characteristic is a defining feature of the hummingbird and distinguishes it from other birds.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Great bustard is a large bird known for its mating display, but it does not make a humming sound by flapping its wings. It is more recognized for its size and behavior during courtship.
  • Option B: The Tailor bird is known for its unique nest-building technique, where it sews leaves together, but it does not produce a humming sound by flapping its wings. Its name does not relate to the sound it makes.
  • Option C: The Humming bird is the correct answer because it is the only bird that can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping its wings, which creates a humming sound. This unique ability is a defining characteristic of the hummingbird.
  • Option D: The Flowerpecker is a small bird that feeds on nectar and fruits, but it does not make a humming sound by flapping its wings. It is more recognized for its feeding habits and small size.

Mnemonic: Humming = Humming Bird

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