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Hummingbird migration is in full swing this week. As the males arrive they appear to be on a manic mission: Set up territories, defend them from would-be thieves, and impress a mate. Look for examples in the sighting reports and watch their antics in this week's slideshow. Find answers to your questions from our Hummingbird Expert.
Today's Report Includes:
- Highlights, Maps, and Questions
- Territory: Instinct Rules!
- Slideshow: Males on a Mission
- FAQ: Answers from the Hummingbird Expert
- Resources
Highlights:
Are they "Tweeting"?
The afternoon that the first rufous was sighted in Onalaska, Washington, one bird was at the feeder. The next morning there were two, and by that evening there were seven! "I guess that first hummer sent out a "Tweet" to his friends!" concluded the spotter.
The rufous migration is pushing north. Feeders were up and ready in 3 coastal towns in Alaska. Reports came in from south to north: Ketchikan (04/04), Wrangell (04/06), and Sitka (04/07). The rufous migration is pushing east, too. A rufous was sighted in Oldtown, Idaho this week (04/08).
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have now been spotted above 62 degrees North! This week saw a surge northward into more midwest states and along the Atlantic Coast. See the progress yourself; compare this week's map with one week ago.
The hummingbird migration appears to be in full swing, and sighters are ecstatic! Reports of black-chinned hummers are arriving in numbers in Texas, California, New Mexico, and Utah. Also this week "many calliopes and rufous" arrived in Skamania, Washington.
A report from Garland, Texas, "The hummingbird had a black head but no band like a rubythroat and it had no iridescent appearance on head or body. Not sure what species it is."
Try This! Use the table showing all commonly found hummer species in Texas to try and identify the bird from Garland, Texas.
Establishing Territory: As male hummers arrive in your area this spring watch for the behavior that assures their survival. This week 2 reporters observed territorial behavior:
Three returning male Black Chinned hummingbirds showed up on the evening of April 2. They were chasing each other all around the house in preparation of establishing their territories. We still have Costas and Annas who, I'm afraid, will probably be chased off if the past repeats itself. Ivins, Utah.
A male rufous has taken up residence in our yard, guarding our feeders for a week now. Los Altos, California
- Study the Hummingbird Poster to compare the Black-chinned, Costas, Annas, and Rufous.
- Look for other reports of territorial behavior.
Which is the Rufous and which is the
Black-chinned?
Male hummers heading north have no choice in the matter. They have an overwhelming urge to set up territories, defend food sources, and more. And that's no easy task! Discover why.
- Slideshow: Make Way for Nesting: A Tale of Territories, Thieves, and Courtship
- Slideshow Handout
Have you ever wondered:
See: Answers from the Hummingbird Expert Special thanks to Lanny Chambers for sharing his time and expertise again this year to answer readers' questions. |
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 This bird was photographed at a feeder in Washington. Can you identify the species?Male or a female? (roll your mouse or click to find out) Photo: John Doerper |
The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 20, 2011.
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