What
Do These Facts Tell You?
So temperatures that fall were warmer than usual where the hummers
were spotted. Let's continue thinking like scientists as we
read a few more facts about rufous hummingbirds.
- Reports
of Sightings:
Rufous hummingbirds are being seen more and more often during
winter in the Midwest and East. In fact, more
rufous hummingbirds were reported across the continent during
the February 2006 Great Backyard Bird Count than during any
of the last 8 years.
- Reports
of Sightings: Journey North receives more reports
of rufous hummingbirds being out of their normal range than
of ruby-throated hummers being out of range.
- Food:
Hummingbird feeding has become more popular during the last
10 to 15 years.
- Food:
When flower nectar is not available, rufous hummingbirds
can survive by feeding on sap and insects found in sapsucker
(woodpecker) holes.
- Biology:
Rufous hummingbirds are very cold hardy. They typically overwinter
in cooler regions than rubythroats do. They are often hatched
in cold mountainous areas and spend nights on nesting grounds
where the temperatures are near freezing.
