How do you catch a hummingbird for banding?

Hummingbirds are one of the most remarkable and charismatic bird species. Their tiny size, dazzling iridescent plumage, and remarkable flying skills never cease to amaze and delight people. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards and hover in mid-air, making them highly specialized nectar feeders uniquely adapted to accessing flower nectar.

While watching hummingbirds drink nectar from brightly colored flowers in your garden is a joy, you can learn even more about these energetic creatures by observing them up-close through bird banding. Bird banding involves capturing wild birds and attaching a small, individually numbered metal or plastic tag to their legs so that various aspects of their life history, including migration patterns, survival rates, lifespan, and territorial behaviors can be studied by tracking individual birds over time. This provides valuable data for research and conservation.

Where and when to set up hummingbird traps

Hummingbirds are territorial and consistent in their habits, often returning numerous times per day to favored feeding areas. This makes them relatively easy to trap in specialized cages or traps baited with sugar water. The best locations to set traps are in areas hummingbirds frequent, such as near nectar feeders or flowering plants they like to visit. Choose a spot that provides some shade and shelter from wind and rain where hummingbirds will be comfortable while inside the trap. Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times for trapping as hummingbirds are most active and feeding during these periods.

Setting up hummingbird traps and baits

There are a few common types of hummingbird traps used for banding purposes:

• Clover traps: Clover traps are small, lightweight wire cages that collapse around a bird when it enters the trap. They have a trigger mechanism that is tripped when a perch is disturbed inside the cage.
• Hall traps: Similar to clover traps, hall traps have a mesh enclosure that drops down when birds enter the cage and disturb a lever or trigger mechanism.
• Funnel traps: Funnel traps have a entryway funnel that allows hummingbirds easy access into the trap but makes it difficult for them to exit the other end where they are caught.

No matter which trap type is used, they should always contain fresh hummingbird nectar (four parts water to one part white granulated sugar) to attract and bait birds into the enclosure. The nectar should be replaced and traps cleaned frequently to prevent fermentation or mold. Traps are most effective when camouflaged with vegetation. Leaving traps open and in position for 1-3 days before banding allows hummingbirds to become accustomed to feeding inside them.

Approaching and extracting hummingbirds from traps

When approaching a trap containing hummingbirds, move slowly and cautiously to minimize stress to the birds. It’s best to extract birds in the early morning before they are active. Gently block the entry/exit funnels before removing the top or side of the trap. Hummingbirds caught in clover or hall traps should be given a few minutes sitting in the darkened enclosure to settle down before carefully reaching in to remove them by hand. Sometimes a small net is used to help extract hummingbirds.

It is crucial to handle hummingbirds carefully, cradling their bodies to prevent them from escaping before banding. Never grab their tails or squeeze their chests too hard. Support their heads while carefully holding their wings folded against their bodies as you remove birds from traps for banding.

Banding hummingbirds

Hummingbird bands are very tiny, sized 00A or smaller. Bands can be obtained through the federal Bird Banding Laboratory. Only persons with a valid permit are allowed to band birds. To band hummingbirds, follow this process:

1. Select an appropriately sized band and have all materials ready – bands, pliers, data sheets, pen, weighing scale, calipers, ruler, etc.
2. Gently extend the hummingbird’s leg and carefully place the band over its foot and onto the tibia bone, centering it so the band fits comfortably.
3. Use pliers to close the band securely around the leg by crimping the ends together.
4. Record the unique band number along with species, age, sex, date, location, and any other observations about the bird’s condition on the data sheet.
5. Weigh and measure the wing/tail/bill length using calipers and ruler. Note any distinct feathers or markings.
6. Check that the band is secure but not too tight before releasing the hummingbird.

The whole banding process takes only a minute or two per bird. Data collected during banding provides valuable contributions to hummingbird research and conservation. Bird banding studies require specific state and federal permits, and should only be undertaken with proper training to ensure hummingbird safety and wellbeing.

Releasing hummingbirds after banding

After banding, hummingbirds can be released. Gently open your hand and allow the hummingbird to fly out on its own accord. Sometimes it takes them a minute to recover from the stress before taking off. Provide a nearby feeder or flowers where just-banded birds can get quick energy. Be sure they fly off strongly without difficulty.

Never release hummingbirds on a rainy, cold or extremely windy day or at night when they cannot feed. Keep them in a ventilated box or cage and provide nectar until conditions improve if necessary. Monitor the hummingbird’s band number, activity and health for a few days after release whenever possible.

Tips for safe and effective hummingbird banding

• Obtain proper state, federal, and institutional permits and complete training before banding hummingbirds.
• Carefully follow all protocols for trap setup, baiting, maintenance, and handling techniques.
• Frequently change nectar and clean traps to prevent mold and bacteria.
• Release any banded hummingbirds encountered to avoid duplicating bands.
• Work swiftly and gently when handling and banding hummingbirds to minimize stress.
• Record detailed and accurate notes for each bird banded.
• Avoid banding in extreme weather, and monitor newly banded birds after release.
• Take precautions against spreading diseases between sites via traps.

Conclusion

Banding hummingbirds, while challenging, allows close-up observation and data collection that would be nearly impossible to achieve just by watching these tiny, speedy birds. With proper training, permits, equipment, care, and techniques, hummingbirds can be safely caught in specialized traps, banded, and released unharmed. The data gathered from banding provides invaluable insights that advance hummingbird research, guides conservation efforts, helps monitor populations, and reveals fascinating details about their life history. As charismatic and captivating as hummingbirds are to observe in the wild, having the opportunity to admire their delicate beauty up-close while banding them is a special privilege and important contribution to preserving these special birds.