Migration Map Comparisons
Robins and Hummingbirds

Robins are short-distance migrants; they migrate north and south with the seasons, but remain in the United States. Hummingbirds are long-distance migrants; they fly up to 2,000 miles between their wintering sites in Mexico and Central America and their breeding sites in the states and Canada!
  1. Carefully compare the March 1 robin map with the ruby-throat map below it.
  2. Do the same with maps from March 15 and April 15.
  3. Next, look across at the 3 robin maps; they show a 6-week progression. Do the same for the hummingbird maps.
  4. Respond to the journaling questions below.
March 1, 2005
March 15, 2005
April 15, 2005
First Robins Seen
First Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Seen

Journaling and Discussion Questions

  • Describe 2 observations you made about each species' migration.
  • What do the maps tell you about the differences between migration patterns for robins (short-distance migrants) and rubythroats (long-distance migrants).
  • What do you think might trigger robins to migrate, and why?
  • What do you think might trigger hummingbirds to migrate, and why?
  • What new questions do you have?