THE RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD POPULATION IS DECLINING

        According to a recently published report entitled 2022 State of the Birds, the rufous hummingbird population is in decline. The rufous hummingbird has lost half its total population during the past 50 years. In addition, there is a very real chance that it will plummet another 50 percent during the next half century.

       The rufous hummingbird nests primarily in Washington and Oregon, north through Canada’s western provinces all the way to southeastern Alaska.

       The vast majority of rufous hummingbirds’ winter in Mexico, however, for decades many have annually wintered in the Southeast.  In fact, it is the most commonly seen hummingbird during the winter in Georgia.

6 thoughts on “THE RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD POPULATION IS DECLINING

  1. Sorry to hear that. We will never forget the Rufus that spent the winter with us and you tagged it on one of the coldest days on the year
    Thanks
    Bill D

    • Bill,

      I also remember that day. Who would have ever thought that this species of hummingbird would one day be facing a tough road to recovery?

      Terry

    • Zoopath,

      Rufous hummingbirds winter throughout the state. Although it is the most common species to winter here, we also have a chance to see rubythroats, allen’s, black-chinned and many others.

      Terry

  2. I don’t live in their area but , still, am curious if there is a known cause for this decrease in Rufous hummingbirds ?

    • Mary Anne,

      The experts say the decline is due to habitat loss in the bird’s breeding and wintering grounds as well as its migratory pathway.

      Terry

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