Date: 4/09/07
Contact: C. Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

HUMMINGBIRDS ON THE GO

Hummingbirds are always on the go, but where do they go? Many hummingbirds don’t migrate at all, but many that are seen in the Mojave Desert migrate both north and south. Migrants usually start arriving in Southern Nevada from their winter retreat in mid-March and leave the area toward the middle of September.

There are six species of hummingbirds that be seen in Southern Nevada, according to Larry Neel, Wildlife Staff Specialist for Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Anna’s hummingbird is a year-long resident, and broad-tailed, black-chinned and Costa’s hummingbirds live here in the summer. Neel said the Calliope and Rufous hummingbirds are true migrants, and may be seen moving through the area in spring, summer and fall.

NDOW’s publication, A Checklist of Birds of Southern Nevada, also lists Allen’s hummingbird as a rarely seen migrant through the area. Nevada is just outside of the Allen’s migration route. The timing and pathway of migration will vary according to the different species, but all hummingbird migration is triggered by change in day length, which causes hormonal changes in the birds. In order to prepare for the journey, these little dynamos fill up on large quantities of insects and flower nectar. The energy required for such a small bird to travel long distances is difficult to supply. Wintering areas stretch Southern Nevada and California all the way down to Panama. The Rufous hummingbird travels the longest distance, from British Columbia to Mexico.

Unlike many migratory birds, these little travelers prefer to journey alone rather than in groups. This is nature’s way of ensuring that enough flowers are available at any one time for each hummingbird along the way. A horde of hummers may find a local nectary too small to supply the needs of every individual at one time. Traveling in groups is also not necessary from a protection standpoint. Being so small, an individual hummingbird is usually not a target for predators.

For most birds, flying is done during the daylight hours. Depending on the origin of the flight and the endpoint, travel can take from a few days up to two weeks. When springtime gives the signal to mate and nest, migration north begins. The journey north is timed to the early blooming of the plants. It’s the males that arrive first, claiming their territory so that when the females arrive a little later, they will be ready to attract them. Juvenile birds are usually the last to arrive. Of course the availability of food resources along the route will affect these timings.

You can spot hummingbirds by putting up feeders in your yard, or you may see them frequenting native desert flowers such as ocotillo, penstemons, sage, monkey flower, desert willow and Indian paintbrush. A common myth is that you can delay migration by leaving feeders up during the fall, which is not true. For more information on hummer whereabouts, there are great range & migration maps at www.projectwildbird.org. Meanwhile, look for the shimmer of hummingbirds on a sunny day and listen for the “tink, tink” sound that is their call. You’ll think you’ve just seen little jeweled bells among the plants.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.