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They are the smallest birds that can be observed in Quebec — they weigh barely three grams — and yet, these days, ruby-throated hummingbirds set off on an impressive migration that can easily exceed 3,500 kilometers.
“Who doesn’t know the hummingbird? Those who have seen them are often fascinated to see them flying in place, moving backwards, etc. It is also a colorful bird, so it has everything to be charismatic,” summarizes Jean-Sébastien Guénette, general director of Québec Oiseaux.
The male ruby-throated hummingbird, for example, does indeed have a bright red throat, but also a lustrous green back and the long slender beak characteristic of the species, which feeds on flower nectar. The size of this bird is tiny, with a maximum length of around nine centimeters, and a weight of around three grams.
If you see it coming, you have the impression of hearing the buzzing of an insect. In fact, it is the sound of its wings, which beat at a rate of 55 to 75 times per second. “These are phenomena of nature,” summarizes Pascal Côté, biologist and ornithologist at the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Migration
These days, these ruby-throated hummingbirds, the only species of the genus that can be observed in Quebec, are undertaking “an impressive migration” towards their winter habitats, emphasizes Pascal Côté.
While some will settle in the south of the United States, others can go as far as Mexico, or even Central America, a journey of at least 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers. “During migrations, there is a large part of the population that crosses the Gulf of Mexico by direct flight, for example to go to the Yucatan Peninsula. This means being able to fly non-stop over a distance of 500 to 800 kilometers,” explains Mr. Côté.
Like all species of birds that carry out migrations, hummingbirds are obviously exposed “to several threats” throughout their journey, recalls Jean-Sébastien Guénette.
While it is difficult to give a precise assessment of each threat, collisions with buildings constitute a major obstacle in the way of several species, including tiny hummingbirds. Why do birds fly into windows? Since glass is not a natural material, they do not understand that the reflections of the trees or the sky are not real.
Artificial light can also disorient them and increase the risk of collisions. This phenomenon is particularly true in species that migrate at night, guided by the moon and the stars. Loss of habitat, particularly in their wintering grounds, also represents a risk for ruby-throated hummingbirds, a species which is however doing relatively well at present.
Drinkers
The installation of sugar water troughs can also be very useful to them, according to Pascal Côté. “The species existed before water troughs were installed, but as with feeders, it is about easy and quick access to a food source. »
This food resource can notably give them a boost before their long autumn journey. “Before they begin their migration, they must stock up on reserves and they can increase their body mass by 40% in a few days. It’s their fuel,” explains the biologist.
The presence of the water troughs also allows us to observe to what extent ruby-throated hummingbirds are “very protective of their food sources,” explains Pascal Côté. “If they end up at a water trough, you can see them constantly chasing each other, instead of just sharing the trough, even if there are multiple feeding stations.” »
Jean-Sébastien Guénette adds that due to climatic upheavals, their arrival in spring may not be synchronized with flowering. Hummingbirds will therefore look for other sources of food. Drinkers can be part of this, provided that they are regularly checked for cleanliness.