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Results of a 19-year Study on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the Deep North Woods of the State of Maine

Abstract

Over the period of 2003-2021, 28 visits were made in early June and/or early August to hummingbird feeder locations along the shores of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Rangeley Plantation, near Oquossoc, Franklin County, Maine, to capture, band and gather data on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) on their breeding grounds. A total of 2,288 birds were banded along with 190 return captures made in years after banding. Adult males in Jun (n= 819) outnumbered adult females (n=672) by 1.22:1, while in August females (n=426) outnumbered males (n=122) by 3.49:1. Immature males in Aug (n=147) outnumbered immature females (n=102) by 1.44:1. The oldest recaptured male was 6yr-0mo, and oldest recaptured female was 8yr-2mo old. That female had the distinction of being captured at each of four different feeder locations spanning a distance of 3 km of the south lakeshore. Other than for the one male recaptured at age 6yr-0mo, no other males (adult or immature) were recaptured beyond 2 years after banding. Among the 190 return recaptures, females (n=141) outnumbered males (n=49) 2.88:1, but if limited to June data only, females (n=103) outnumbered males (n=47) by 2.19:1. Changes in seasonal recapture locations from feeder to feeder as well as same-day movements between feeders suggest frequent ranging over 3 km of shoreline to use feeders. Based on digital records of the U.S. Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) starting in 1960, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds banded during this study at Mooselookmeguntic Lake represent nearly 80% of all Ruby-throats banded in Maine through 2021.

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