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1 June 2017 Increase in Numbers and Potential Phenological Adjustment of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) during Autumn Migration at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Eastern Pennsylvania, 1990–2014
Jennifer C. Probst, Jean-François Therrien, Laurie J. Goodrich, Keith L. Bildstein
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Abstract

Global change can affect several aspects of bird biology, including population size and migration timing. We used count data collected during 25 years (1990–2014) at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a raptor migration watch-site in eastern Pennsylvania, to investigate population changes in Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) and the timing of their autumn migration, in light of ongoing climate change. Hummingbird numbers increased significantly from 1990–2014. The first 5%-, 50%-, 95%- and average passage dates of hummingbirds over this time indicated an earlier passage, with the first 5% passage-date shifting earlier significantly. Passage duration (number of days between 5% and 95% of the flight) remained relatively constant from 1990–2014. In light of similar shifts in timing of spring passage of this species, our results suggest that Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may be shifting the timing of their migratory cycle.

Jennifer C. Probst, Jean-François Therrien, Laurie J. Goodrich, and Keith L. Bildstein "Increase in Numbers and Potential Phenological Adjustment of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) during Autumn Migration at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Eastern Pennsylvania, 1990–2014," The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 129(2), 360-364, (1 June 2017). https://doi.org/10.1676/16-011.1
Received: 23 January 2016; Accepted: 1 July 2016; Published: 1 June 2017
KEYWORDS
Archilochus colubris
autumn migration
migration counts
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
timing
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