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How Human Activities Can Harm Hummers
Backyard Habitat Risks: Hummingbirds are at risk from house cats that hunt, collisions with big windows, and diseases picked up from unclean feeders. Pesticide Use. Chemicals used in gardens, landscapes, and farms can kill insects that hummingbirds rely upon for protein. Hummers might also ingest pesticides sprayed onto flowers. These could sicken or kill them. Changing Climate: Scientists are not sure just how global warming does and will affect hummingbirds.
Neither ruby-throated nor rufous hummingbirds are listed on endangered species lists. All North American hummingbird species populations, except rufous are steady or slightly increasing. Rufous appears to be slightly declining. This is likely due to logging and development in the Pacific Northwest breeding range, and in its wintering range in Mexico. (Source: Bob Sargeant and Lanny Chambers)
How can you help hummingbirds where you live?