November: Changing the Feathers

November: Changing the Feathers
In November the hummingbirds are molting, a process that may start as early as October. While on the wintering grounds, all Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are losing and replacing their flight and body feathers, including wing feathers. They will need fresh new feathers before migrating north. Feathers are a bird's most important flight gear. Hummingbirds have fewer feathers than other birds. Even a tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird has about 940 feathers to keep in order, so it stops flying several times a day to preen. Nectar is sticky so hummers must clean up. Preening helps keep the feathers clean and aligned, making the bird's wings efficient and its body aerodynamic.

Preening Hummingbird

Image: John Doerper


Overview: The Annual Cycle of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December
November: Changing the Feathers In November the hummingbirds are molting, a process that may start as early as October. While on the wintering grounds, all Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are losing and replacing their flight and body feathers, including wing feathers. They will need fresh new feathers before migrating north. Feathers are a bird's most important flight gear. Hummingbirds have fewer feathers than other birds. Even a tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird has about 940 feathers to keep in order, so it stops flying several times a day to preen. Nectar is sticky so hummers must clean up. Preening helps keep the feathers clean and aligned, making the bird's wings efficient and its body aerodynamic. Image: John Doerper