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Ruby-throated
Hummingbird Map Questions
(Teachers:
Map is hotlinked for larger projection on smartboard or screen.)
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| Some
observers have noticed an interesting pattern on the rubythroat migration
map. Look closely at both maps. |
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Ruby-throated
Hummingbird Migration
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Relief
Map of the Eastern United States
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| Describe
the pattern you think they noticed. |
| How
would you explain why the region circled on the map seems to have
fewer hummingbird sightings than areas around it? Write your answer,
then read below. |
In general, spring comes later to higher elevations, in this case, the
Appalachian mountains. Temperatures are colder the higher up you go. A
hummingbird's food sources, flowers and insects, are less likely to be
available at cold temperatures. That's one explanation, but it's
important to always ask, "What else could explain the data?"
For instance, there may simply be fewer people — and so fewer observers
— in those regions!
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