Hummingbird flight mechanics have been well studied but far less is known about how their sense of touch helps them sip nectar from a flower without bumping into it. Most of what scientists know about how touch is processed in the brain comes from studies on mammals,

New research mapping a hummingbirds’ sense of touch onto specific areas of the brain shows the little creatures are sensitive to even slight puffs of air.

Hummingbirds' "acute" sense of touch helps them to hover near a flower to feed - without bumping into it, reveals new research. The tiny birds create a 3D body map when neurons in the brain "fire" as gusts of air touch their wings, according to the findings.

The first-of-its-kind study opens up new questions around animal welfare and could aid scientists as they seek to understand and treat human neurodegenerative diseases.