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Hummingbirds

Protective Measures for the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

In the 1800’s the Ruby-throated hummingbird was hunted for its bright red feathers and also collected due to its small size. Today this is a very common species of hummingbird which today enjoys a large population of approximately 7,300,000. This is probably due to the fact it is protected from harvest through the Migratory Bird Treaty Act between the United States and Canada. They are also protected by Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Through all of these efforts and through maintaining and protecting habitats and nectar plants along the migration route of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird this species should maintain a healthy population well into the future.
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Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds of Southwest Arizonia

Arizonia is a state that is well known for having many species of hummingbirds and it is often a favorite destination of birdwatchers wanting to view a wide variety of species.  If you live in Arizonia count yourself lucky for having so many different species that visit your state.  The following list is of the species that you will likely find in Southwest Arizonia:

Berylline Hummingbird (very rare)
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Lucifer Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
White-eared Hummingbird (very rare)
Blue-throated Hummingbird
Magnificent Hummingbird
Plain-capped Starthroat (very rare)

 

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Hummingbirds

Amazing Hummingbird Migration Information

  • It is believed that a chemical change occurs within the hummingbird’s body and thus signals that it is time for migration to take place.
  • It is speculated that the migration path that the hummingbirds will follow is effected by where the flower or insect population is the largest.  This has not been scientifically proven.
  • Prior to beginning their migratory journey, a hummingbird must gain beteen 25 and 40 percent of its body weight.  This helps the birds sustain their energy level during the lengthy migratory journey.  Just how lenthy the journey is depends on the individual species of hummingbird, but the Ruby-throated Hummingbird will make a 500 mile journey across the the Gulf of Mexico.
  • A hummingbird will follow the same migratory path year after year. The path is the same one they flew the first time they ever made the journey.
  • Hummingbirds make the migratory jouney alone.  This makes it harder for the birds to become the target of predators and also the hummingbirds must feed so frequently that it wouldn’t be practical for the birds to travel as a group.
  • Whenever they are migrating the hummingbirds fly at about treetop level over land and then skimming over the water.  Flying at these low levels is believed to be due to the fact that this makes it much easier for the hummingbirds to spot food or nectar sources along the migratory path.
  • During migration, the hummingbirds fly during the day and sleep at night.
  • The migratory journey will take between one and four weeks to complete.  The birds will travel beteen 20-25 miles per day.
  • The males will migrate first, about three weeks or so ahead of the females.
  • The first thing the hummingbirds will do upon completing the migratory journey is to fatten up.
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Hummingbirds

A Hummingbird or a Pencil

Which weighs more a fully grown hummingbird or a pencil?  While it is a well known fact that hummingbirds are very tiny, it may shock you to discover just how extremely tiny these birds actually are.  A grown hummingbird weighs less then a pencil!  That’s right, I said less then a pencil.  The average hummingbird only weighs between 2 and 20 grams and that will depend on which  species of hummingbird you are referring.  

  

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Hummingbirds

Red-billed Streamertail Hummingbird

  • The Red-billed Streamertail Hummingbird is found only in Jamaica.
  • Jamaicans refer to this bird as the "doctor bird."  The reason for this is because its tail feathers cross in such a way that resembles the old-fashion coattails worn by doctors. 
  • When this bird is in flight its tail produces a high pitched humming noise because of the uniquely scalloped and fluted streamers of the bird’s tail.
  • It is the national bird of Jamaica.