Clues to Age: Bill Size

Clues to Age: Bill Size
A smaller bill size can be a clue to age because those structures take longer to grow. Hummingbird banders may measure the bill when they capture the birds for banding.

"Juvenile male was back for lunch today. His beak is so small!"

Leigh of Stonington, Connecticut (August 27, 2013)

Juvenile male hummingbird feeding at a flower
Photo: Patricia Kurz