some interesting behavior (1 Viewer)

[mwtzzz]

Hi,

I've noticed that there's only one unique hummingbird that visits my feeder, but it's only for 3 or 4 days and then we never see them again and they're replaced by another one who stays for a few days and then they disappear too.

I'm curious as to what's going on. I'm thinking it's either a territorial/dominance type of thing, or maybe the birds are migrating to somewhere else, or maybe this is just normal "making the rounds" behavior to spend a few days at one site and then move on to another site?

REal curious if anyone knows.

 

[KC Foggin]

If you see it again can you try to get a picture of it and then the I D section of the Forum.

Hi there and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like.

 

[SnoHoCo]

Hi,

I've noticed that there's only one unique hummingbird that visits my feeder, but it's only for 3 or 4 days and then we never see them again and they're replaced by another one who stays for a few days and then they disappear too.

I'm curious as to what's going on. I'm thinking it's either a territorial/dominance type of thing, or maybe the birds are migrating to somewhere else, or maybe this is just normal "making the rounds" behavior to spend a few days at one site and then move on to another site?

REal curious if anyone knows.

Depends on your location and species. Here in coastal Washington State, Anna's Hummingbirds remain year round. We should see migratory Rufous Hummingbirds here soon, our summertime visitors.

 

[KC Foggin]

Sounds as if you guys are experiencing a migration period.

 

[mwtzzz]

Actually, what I meant is:
a specific hummingbird will come for a few days, make our feeder "his", then goes away and we never see him again.
Another takes his place immediately, but again only for a few days, then goes off and never comes back.
The pattern repeats...
I'm wondering why they don't stay for longer.