Hummingbirds In Habitat

Hummingbirds are unique noted for their small size, their prolonged hovering and backward flight, their wide range of breeding areas, which include cold montane areas where their small size is a great thermal disadvantage, and their use of nectar energy sources. Hummingbird diversity, in part, reflects coevolution with their food plants. Although ornithologists have learned much about these birds using a variety of research tools, including banding, large gaps exist in our knowledge that could be filled with additional information from well-designed banding programs. These studies could lay the foundation necessary to establish conservation and management strategies for various species. However, the banding of hummingbirds is not research per se. Banders do not make a bona fide research contribution if they band birds only to contribute to the existing database on banding and recovery.

Hummingbirds

Responsible banders ensure that their study design and the collection and analysis of data are sound, and that they publish their results. The Banding Offices review all applications for permits. If an application is denied because it lacks scientific or educational merit, this decision should be respected.
Although hummingbird banding can be useful as an educational tool, that should never be its main purpose, as other less stressful methods are available. The hummingbird's welfare should always be the first consideration.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbird banders should have no physical limitations that might prevent careful handling of these tiny birds. The welfare of the birds must always be of primary concern. Good near vision is necessary. If with using glasses or a magnifying visor you cannot see 3-g birds clearly, you should not handle them because you could injure them. Infinite patience and steady hands are two other important requirements for both handling the birds and shaping and applying bands. Training and experience in banding passerines are highly recommended to provide a basic understanding of data collection, handling birds, the use of mist nets, and stress in birds and how to avoid it. These are not a prerequisite, but they increase the probability of becoming a successful hummingbird bander.
Most people who obtain a hummingbird banding permit do so to carry out a research project. Others learn to band to assist in various projects.

Hummingbirds

To acquire the necessary skills and knowledge, one must learn from a permit holder who is a skilled bander and who is willing to teach while conducting his or her own studies. The experience, though possibly lengthy, may not result in the trainee becoming a hummingbird bander. Not everyone can meet all of the challenges along the way. From time to time, Trainers certified by the North American Banding Council may offer workshops or courses that provide a concentrated learning experience.
Anyone training to become a hummingbird bander should join a regional banding association and ask to be put on the mailing list for the Hummingbird Hotline newsletter (see Appendix D), to be informed of such opportunities.