Hummingbird migration flight height (1 Viewer)

[lashinala]

Does anyone know at about what height hummingbirds fly on their migration to and from gulf of Mexico? If the CNN folks on TV were wearing breathing apparati, then how will it affect the birds on return migration?

 

[Joanna48]

Does anyone know at about what height hummingbirds fly on their migration to and from gulf of Mexico? If the CNN folks on TV were wearing breathing apparati, then how will it affect the birds on return migration?

Good question! I was thinking the same thing a few days ago and wondering what impact if any it would have on all air migrating birds. I would think that hummers fly at several hundred feet to possibly 1000 feet high above the water. I do know that years ago it was reported that people working on the oil rigs farthur out put out feeders; they had hummers stopping to drink. They were amazed by this. They did notice that when the hummers would leave, they flew up and out. I think the hummingbirds will be fine this year. I'm sure they will adjust their altitude if needed. The people on the ground are much closer to the oil and whatever impact could be at that level.

 

[Backyard Sanctuary]

I do know that years ago it was reported that people working on the oil rigs farthur out put out feeders; they had hummers stopping to drink. They were amazed by this. They did notice that when the hummers would leave, they flew up and out.

Very interesting. That would be a trip to find hummingbirds feeding at a feeder in the middle of the Gulf.

 

[lashinala]

Yeah, it makes me wonder about the altitude vs. species issue with all the oil. any low flying birds will have a hard time passing through the fumes.....not good.

 

[mb01a]

There's good evidence that hummers do not fly very high during migration. Over land it is unlikely they get much above treetop height--the better for them to see potential food sources along the migratory route. Hot air balloonists have reported ruby throat hummers at altitudes of up to 500 feet or so. It is certain that hummingbirds would never be able to survive cold temperatures at high altitudes used by waterfowl and larger songbirds. Over water, hummingbirds have been reported to migrate just above the wave tops. ....

full article --> http://www.rubythroat.org/RTHUMigrationMain.html

Does this mean that the hummers will die because of the oil spill? Definitely maybe! Some die anyway, oil spill or not. Some will die because of the spill when they fly over the oil on the surface. More will die when predators kill them.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Most hummingbirds unfortunately die during their first year but, those that do survive that first year have an average life span of 3 to 4 years.

There are several (5-6) ruby throats here at our house now. They are very active.

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