Hummingbird Migration Tracking

Tracking hummingbird migration is an intensive and large-scale project. Hummingbird migration is tracked in two ways: sighting reports and banding.

Hummingbird sightings can be reported to various organizations. Many websites offer the ability to submit hummingbird sighting information online. Using this information, a map of hummingbird migration is created. In addition, organizations use member-provided sighting data to release regular updates on hummingbird migration.

Banding is the most accurate way in which hummingbird migration is tracked.

Banding: Essential to Hummingbird Migration Tracking

Banding is the capture, tagging, documentation, and release of hummingbirds. Only those authorized to do so can capture and band hummingbirds. Using a hummingbird trap or net, the authorized person captures, secures, examines, bands and releases the hummingbird.

Data is recorded for each bird, including where and when the banding took place, the bird's age, and sex. Using special pliers, a partially opened band inscribed with a unique number is slid over the bird's leg. Once the band is crimped to ensure a good fit, the hummingbird is released. Data for each hummingbird is sent to the 100-year-old North American Bird Banding Program, run by the federal Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL), a part of the U.S. Geological Survey. The BBL works closely with the Canadian Wildlife Service, its counterpart in Canada.

Determining hummingbird migration patterns is labor-intensive and slow. Only about 1 in 1,000 banded hummingbirds are recaptured. If someone encounters a banded bird, the band number can be reported by calling 1-800-327-BAND or submitting the information to the BBL's website at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/homepage/mailrecv.htm.

The BBL then contacts the bander with information about when, where and by whom the banded bird was encountered. The finder receives a Certificate of Appreciation and information about where and when the bird was banded. Successful hummingbird tracking relies on the many citizen scientists who observe, count and report findings to the BBL, universities and other invested groups, such as the Audubon Society.
There are only about 150 people in the U.S. and Canada authorized by their governments to capture and band wild hummingbirds. These master banders include federal and state agency employees, university researchers, bird observatory staff members, and private individuals. In addition to the authorization from the BBL, most banders, depending on their state of residence, are also required to have state banding permits.

Information Gathered During Hummingbird Banding

The age, sex, condition, and plumage characteristics of each bird is recorded and provided to the BBL. In addition, banders may also take measurements. These measurements include the wing chord (length of the flattened wing from wrist to tip of the longest primary feather), tail length, mass, and bill length.

The bander, and the person who recover a banded bird, also provide detailed information on the capture date and location. This data is crucial to mapping hummingbird migration.

How They Are Captured for Hummingbird Migration Data Gathering
Please note: it is against state and federal laws for anyone without permits and proper training to capture or possess living or dead wild migratory birds, including hummingbirds. Anyone found doing so will be subject to federal fines and imprisonment.

There are two main ways hummingbirds are captured by authorized banders and researchers: nets and traps.

Large mist nets, named because they are almost invisible, are positioned between poles in areas frequented by hummingbirds. Often hummingbirds fail to see these nets and fly directly into them, becoming entangled. Hummingbirds are not harmed by the net, but fall gently into its soft folds.

Researches frequently check mist nets to ensure these little birds are rescued as quickly as possible so they do not become stressed. Experienced banders know how to remove a hummingbird quickly from a net without causing any damage to the bird.

Traps, usually pull-string operated, are also used to capture hummingbirds. When a hummingbird flies into a trap, the bander pulls the string to activate a trapdoor, which closes behind the bird. Using a small access door, the bander removes the hummingbird from the trap. Birds are never held for long periods.

Both methods of hummingbird capture require a lure. Hummingbird feeders are placed near the large mist nets or inside the trap. Keeping these feeders clean and filled with fresh nectar is essential. There are feeders available that make cleaning and refilling easy because they are filled from the top using advanced sports bottle technology.

Become a Part of the Hummingbird Migration Data Gathering

Becoming a part of hummingbird migration tracking is as easy as an online search. Many websites encourage visitors to submit sighting information. This information is used to track the hummingbird migration.

Typically, two species of hummingbirds are tracked each spring: the Ruby-throated and the Rufous. The migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird begins in late February or early March. By May, the first Ruby-throated hummingbird reach Canada. Rufous hummingbirds begin their journey north in January, with the first ones reaching Canada in early March.

For more information about hummingbird banding, please visit the BBL website or call 1-800-327-BAND.