Hummingbirds

Monitoring

We have been actively involved in monitoring local hummingbird populations since 1997.

Adult male Calliope Hummingbird (Photo by Jon Moran)

Why? Because we had so many questions!

Were their populations stable, or in decline?
When and how do they use different parts of the habitat?
Are they faithful to routes and breeding sites?
How long do they live?

Below, we've answered some questions you may have about the monitoring process.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

How are hummingbirds caught?

All bird banding occurs under a strict Code of Ethics. Bird health and welfare comes first.

Hummingbirds can only be trapped by (or under the supervision of) trained and federally permitted handlers. There are two main types of trapping: mist nets and Hall traps. The team is using a Hall trap in the banding video. Similarly, banding requires extensive training so that the bird is handled quickly and safely.

How do you band a hummingbird?

Hummingbird bands need to be made by the bander and different species and sexes require different sized bands. The bands come on an aluminum sheet and each band has a unique letter and number combination.

The sheet is cut into strips and then each short band is cut out. These are formed into a C shapes, for storage. The band is closed using special pliers that have a hole matching the size of the band.

A band box - formed and unformed bands on the left and right, respectively. (Photo credit: Christina Lam)

Banding Pliers. NOTE: the closed band will never be smaller than the hole. (Photo credit: Alison Moran)

A banded hummingbird leg. (Photo credit: Christina Lam)

When and Where are Hummingbirds monitored?

What scientific measurements are taken?

Can you see eggs?

Yes. Since the birds are here to breed, eggs can tell us which birds are using the habitat for nesting. We can also find out about the timing for nesting and how different spring weather can influence whether this occurs early or late.

When fully developed, the egg is about a quarter of the bird's weight. The egg in the photo is almost ready to be laid. The female will lay two eggs per clutch and often lays a second clutch before her first nestlings have fledged. The neotropical migrants (Rufous, Calliope, Black-chin and Ruby-throated), will generally have two clutches per season. In contrast, the Anna's can have have at least four nests and there is anecdotal evidence of them laying even more!

We sometimes know when the chicks have hatched because bits of eggshell get stuck to the female's breast.

Comparison photo of breeding - egg and shell

Why are waste samples collected?

Hummingbirds constantly drink nectar and eat insects. This results in a steady production of waste, which is called 'cloacal fluid', as both solid and liquid forms exit from the cloaca together. It is easy for the bander to place a tube beneath the cloaca while taking the usual measurements. This allows us to collect samples non-invasively. Check out our research section to learn more about how we have used this waste to learn about their diet and exposure to pesticides.

Hummingbirds release urine and faeces (cloacal fluid) frequently. (Photo credit: Jen Neve)

What types of parasites are seen?

Visible ectoparasites (ones we can see on the body):

The most common parasites are lice and mites. We generally see lice under the throat and gorget feathers. They attach their eggs to the base of the feather shaft. The egg cases remain even after the louse has emerged and so build up across the season, only being shed when the feathers are molted.

Most commonly, we see feather mites on the tails of Anna's Hummingbirds, but sometimes we see nectar mites, as they hitch a ride from flower to flower. On occasion, we have also seen ticks.

Parasites inside the body:
We cannot see these, but some have been identified by researches e.g., Haemoproteus spp..