Hummingbird Migration

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Specializing in banding and tracking a specialized bird.

Despite weighing no more than a small grape does, some species of hummingbirds — like the Rufous — migrate up to 2,000 miles from southern Mexico to Alaska.

THE PROBLEM

Rufous Hummingbird numbers are sharply declining.

Recent studies suggest that thirty years ago there were twice as many Rufous Hummingbirds in the West as there are today

Because their legs are so small, one needs to use specialized bands instead of standard telemetry devices. As a result, little is known about their migration patterns and habitat use during spring and fall.

Recent banding conducted within our Aspen Regeneration Project showed us that migrating hummingbirds use recently burned forest habitat in impressive numbers.

THE SOLUTION

Train banders to specialize in hummingbirds.

In 2024, our staff caught 120 hummingbirds in one day without trying to target them. Because we do not possess a hummingbird banding permit, we were unable to band these birds.

Our plan is to train our banders so they may obtain the necessary permits to band hummingbirds without outside supervision. Once trained, we will be able to band and better understand the needs of these unique birds in the hopes of reversing their declining numbers.
RESOURCES
PARTNERS
Western Hummingbird Partnership
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