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Using Citizen Science to Help Migrating Hummingbirds
Citizen science generates tons of data that scientists can analyze to better understand trends in bird populations. Using this data, researchers can determine which species need our help and how to best support those species.8
Let's look at an example of how citizen science data is being used to learn about hummingbirds. The story below follows the Rufous Hummingbird, an annual passerby who visits California during the pre-breeding season migration. This example illustrates the powerful information we can gain through citizen science data.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
This tiny hummingbird has a striking orange coloration and is particularly fiesty. The little Rufous Hummingbird is known as a fierce defender of his feeding territory.2,16
Sadly populations of the Rufous Hummingbird, as well as other local species like the Allen's Hummingbird, have declined in recent decades.10
Analysis of citizen science data shows that the Rufous Hummingbird populations have declined by about 65% since 1970, and the rate of decline is accelerating.10,17
Because of their long migration, Rufous Hummingbirds depend on finding the right habitats at different times of the year for food and shelter. This may make them particularly vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss. 2,10
The following environmental threats can be very detrimental to Rufous Hummingbird populations2:
Warming temperatures may lead to heat waves that endanger nestlings.
Heavy rains can flood nests.
Drought can lead to loss of food sources.
Urbanization results in habitat loss.
Tracking the Rufous Hummingbird
By tracking the Rufous Hummingbird, researchers can better understand why they are in decline and how they can be helped. Bird sighting information supplied by citizen scientists is critical to this effort.
Researchers used citizen science data to model the Rufous migration path, finding that they winter in Mexico and then travel as far north as Canada and Alaska to breed in the spring.2,8 Trends and changes in sightings from year to year provide critical clues about how the birds are adapting to environmental fluctuations.
The animation below shows the Rufous Hummingbird migration route.
The animation below shows the Rufous Hummingbird migration route.
eBird data from 2006-2020. Estimated for 2020. Fink, D., T. Auer, A. Johnston, M. Strimas-Mackey, O. Robinson, S. Ligocki, W. Hochachka, L. Jaromczyk, C. Wood, I. Davies, M. Iliff, L. Seitz. 2021. eBird Status and Trends, Data Version: 2020; Released: 2021. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. https://doi.org/10.2173/ebirdst.2020
The migration route represented in the above animation can total over 3,900 miles, one way!7 Along the path, Rufous Hummingbirds encounter many different landscapes, climates, and challenges, but at each location, a dedicated citizen scientist was there to record their sighting.
Let's look more closely at the Rufous migration and the hummingbirds' activities at some notable waypoints along the route.
Click on the map to view the incredible story of the Rufous Hummingbird migration
Click on the map to view the incredible story of the Rufous Hummingbird migration
The Power of Citizen Science
The Power of Citizen Science
Citizen science data is a powerful tool in helping us learn about bird migrations.
Nonscientists from all over the world can collectively gather tons of valuable information that researchers would never be able to gather on their own.8
As more data becomes available, researchers can compare bird sighting data to other types of datasets like temperature and rainfall information or land/vegetation data to determine how changes in the environment impact the birds. 11,17
Ultimately the information can help us determine how the species are faring, alert us if the populations decline, and help inform conservation efforts, so we can keep enjoying hummingbirds in our gardens for years to come.
And it is all made possible by the work of citizens like yourself!
And it is all made possible by the work of citizens like yourself!
Check out the next page to learn how you can pitch in to help our local hummingbirds!
Check out the next page to learn how you can pitch in to help our local hummingbirds!
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