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Think and Discuss!
This map shows the high temperatures on the days when orange dots started showing up on Journey North's hummingbird map.
  • Look at the orange dots on today's Journey North map and then look at this temperature map.
  • Some people say the leading edge of a hummingbird migration follows a certain temperature band. If that is true, what temperature range do you think ruby-throated hummingbirds follow?
  • Why do you think they do it? (See answer, below map.)
Maximum Temperatures - March 29 and 30, 2008

Map Image: NOAA

Why Follow Certain Temperatures?
Scientists believe that by migrating north as average temperatures reach about 35 degrees F, ruby-throated hummingbirds push the limit. At those temperatures, they are just able find insects and flowering plants that couldn't survive below freezing.