Ecuadorians love the hummingbird. This small country has over 130 species that flutter forwards, backwards, upside down or just hover along the Pacific coast, in the major cities, and up towards the peak of the Andes and Chimborazo Mountains. The smallest ones beat their wings 70 to 80 times a second while their heart beats 600 times per minute. Their ability for vibratory or suspended flight allows them to feed on a flower’s nectar, as demonstrated in this hummingbird mural in Manta, Ecuador.