some birds can glide on air currents without flapping. many birds use this method when they are about to land. some birds can also hover in the air. this method is used by birds of prey such as falcons that are looking for something to eat. seagulls are also good at hovering, particularly if there is a strong breeze. the most expert hovering birds are tiny hummingbirds which can beat their wings both backwards and forwards and can stay quite still in the air while they dip their long beaks into flowers to feed on the sweet nectar.