ackerman

While most birds are busy singing a small operetta of who and what and where, hummingbirds are virtually mute. Such small voice don't carry far, so they don't bother much with song. But if they can't serenade a mate, or yell war cries at a rival, how can they perform the essential drama of their lives? They dance. Using body language, they spell out their intentions and moods, just as bees, fireflies or hula dancers do. That means elaborate aerial ballets in which males twirl, joust, sideswipe and somersault. Brazen and fierce, they will take on large adversaries — even cats, dogs or humans. (269)

Ackerman, Diane. "Mute Dancers: How to Watch a Hummingbird." On Writing: A Process Reader. Ed. Wendy Bishop. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2004. 268-270.