Observations of Predation and Anti-predator Behavior of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds during Migratory Stopover

Predation is not thought to contribute significantly to adult hummingbird mortality in temperate areas, where most reported cases of mortality are the result of accidents (e.g., window collisions and spider webs). However, the hazards encountered during migration, including the threat of predation,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSoutheastern naturalist (Steuben, Me.) Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. N21 - N25
Main Authors Zenzal, Theodore J., Fish, Alexander C., Jones, Todd M., Ospina, Emilie A., Moore, Frank R.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Eagle Hill Institute 01.01.2013
Subjects
Animal migration behavior
Birds of prey
Fish
Hawks
Hummingbirds
Mortality
Observational research
Ornithology
Songbirds
Spider webs
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Summary:Predation is not thought to contribute significantly to adult hummingbird mortality in temperate areas, where most reported cases of mortality are the result of accidents (e.g., window collisions and spider webs). However, the hazards encountered during migration, including the threat of predation, can impact hummingbirds while on stopover. We present one account of predation upon Archilochus colubris (Ruby-throated Hummingbird) by Accipiter striatus (Sharp-shinned Hawk) and one account of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird displaying anti-predator behavior by mobbing a Falco sparverius (American Kestrel). All observations took place in coastal Alabama during stopover in autumn.
ISSN:1528-7092
1938-5412