The animal known for its ability to fly backward is the hummingbird. These small, agile birds possess unique wing structures that allow them to hover in place and maneuver in any direction, including flying backward. This remarkable flying ability is due to their specialized muscle structure and rapid wing beats, which can exceed 80 flaps per second. Hummingbirds are also capable of rapid acceleration and can dart from flower to flower to feed on nectar, making them vital pollinators in many ecosystems.