The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is one of the most widespread and familiar hummingbird species in North America. With its iridescent emerald green back, white breast, and distinctive ruby red throat patch on the males, this tiny bird is a delight to observe as it nimbly feeds on nectar from flowers. But just how rare is this hummingbird? Read on for a deep dive into the ruby-throated hummingbird’s conservation status, range, population trends, and threats.
How Widespread is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird?
The ruby-throated hummingbird has an extensive breeding range across North America and is the only regularly occurring hummingbird species in eastern North America. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this species breeds in the following regions during the summer months:
- Throughout the eastern United States from Maine to Florida, and west to eastern Texas
- In Canada from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan
- In the central United States, from North Dakota to Texas
During the winter, ruby-throated hummingbirds are primarily found in Central America, but some individuals migrate through and winter in the southeastern United States along the Gulf Coast. Their winter range includes:
- Florida
- Southern Mexico
- Panama
- Costa Rica
So in summary, the ruby-throated hummingbird occupies a broad range across the United States and Canada during the breeding season, and Central America and the Gulf Coast region during winter. This extensive range demonstrates that the species is still widespread and can be found across diverse habitats and geographies.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Population and Conservation Status
According to the most recent estimates by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the total population of the ruby-throated hummingbird is around 7,300,000 individuals. The species is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means that while the population may have localized declines, the ruby-throated hummingbird has a very large range and the overall population remains stable and robust.
Some key facts about the ruby-throated hummingbird’s population status:
- Population Trend: Decreasing
- Population Size: 7.3 million
- Range Size: 4,600,000 square km
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
So while the ruby-throated hummingbird remains common and widespread, there are some concerning localized declines, especially along the edges of their range. The reasons for these declines are explored later in this article.
How Many Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are There?
It’s difficult to get an accurate count of the total population of ruby-throated hummingbirds for a few reasons:
- They are small, fast-moving, and difficult to track
- Many remote areas within their range have not been thoroughly surveyed
- Only the males have the bright red throat patch making females and juveniles harder to identify
However, here are some estimates of ruby-throated hummingbird numbers from different regions:
| Region | Population Estimate |
|---|---|
| Eastern United States | 5.5 million |
| Central United States | 500,000 |
| Canada | 1 million |
| Mexico | 100,000 – 1 million |
| Total | 7.3 million |
As you can see, the densest populations are found in the eastern United States, where ideal habitat is widespread. But even within their core range, ruby-throated hummingbird numbers have declined by an estimated 35% since the 1960s.
Short-term Population Trends
When looking at short-term trends over the past few decades, ruby-throated hummingbird numbers appear relatively stable in the core of their range, but declining on the edges according to data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey.
Here are some short-term ruby-throated hummingbird population trends:
- 1966-2015: Declined by 35%
- 2005-2015: Stable / slight increase of 0.60% per year
- In states such as California, population declined by 5.1% annually from 2005-2015
The species remains common in the east, but has experienced declines particularly along the Pacific Coast, the southwestern United States, and the southern Florida peninsula. More research is needed to determine the causes behind these localized declines.
Long-term Historical Population Trends
While we lack comprehensive historical data, we can trace some long-term trends in ruby-throated hummingbird populations based on early naturalist accounts and specimen records:
- 1800s: Common and increasing as forests were cleared in eastern North America
- Early 1900s: Period of population expansion northward and westward
- 1960s: Populations peaked based on Breeding Bird Survey data
- 1970s – present: Gradual population decline, most pronounced along the west coast
So while the ruby-throated hummingbird population likely peaked in the mid-20th century, the species was able to flourish and expand its range as human activity created more open habitats. Their adaptability to human-altered landscapes helped them become one of the most widespread North American hummingbirds. Ongoing declines are a greater cause for concern and suggest new threats are impacting the species.
Threats Facing the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
What factors could potentially be driving the ruby-throated hummingbird’s population declines in certain parts of its range? Here are some of the main threats and risks:
- Habitat loss: Logging, urbanization, conversion of land to agriculture, and loss of meadows and young forests may be reducing breeding habitat.
- Pesticides: Insecticides may be lowering insect populations that the birds depend on for food.
- Climate change: Phenology shifts between plants and pollinators, increased droughts and storms may impact food availability and nesting.
- Loss of nectar sources: Declines in flower abundance from habitat loss and invasive species may limit food resources.
- Collision mortality: Collisions with buildings, towers, and vehicles contributes to higher mortality.
Addressing some of these threats, such as maintaining diverse nectar plant habitats and reducing pesticide usage, can support ruby-throated hummingbird populations.
How Many Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are Left in the Wild?
While we don’t have a precise count, we can estimate the total number of wild ruby-throated hummingbirds left based on the species’ broad extent and latest population estimates:
- Total estimated global population: 7.3 million
- 98% of the population is found in North America
- Therefore, roughly 7.15 million individuals remain in the wild in North America
This means that close to 7 million ruby-throated hummingbirds inhabit forests, meadows, parks, backyards, and other habitats across the United States and Canada during the spring and summer months.
In the non-breeding range, fewer than 200,000 ruby-throats overwinter in coastal Mexico and Central America. However, the fact that such a high percentage of the total population breeds in North America is a positive sign for the species’ conservation outlook.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Status by State
We can break down the ruby-throated hummingbird population status by state or province to see where the birds remain most abundant:
| State / Province | Breeding Population Estimate | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 100,000 – 500,000 | Secure |
| Michigan | 100,000 – 500,000 | Secure |
| Minnesota | 10,000 – 100,000 | Secure |
| Maine | 100,000 – 500,000 | Secure |
| Vermont | 10,000 – 100,000 | Secure |
| New York | 100,000 – 500,000 | Secure |
The regions with the largest summer populations include Ontario, Michigan, Maine, and New York. States at the southern edge of the range such as Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida appear to have smaller breeding populations, reflecting declines in those areas. Overall the core northern range remains a ruby-throated hummingbird stronghold.
Current Population Trajectory
Looking forward, what is the projected future population trajectory for the ruby-throated hummingbird? There are a few factors to consider:
- Populations appear stable or slightly increasing in core range, while declining on the west coast and peripheral range.
- Habitat loss and pesticide threats are ongoing issues that may worsen with human population growth and development.
- Climate change will likely shift suitable habitat northward and cause phenology mismatches with food plants.
- Conservation actions could help stabilize populations and reverse declines in certain regions.
Given these considerations, the ruby-throated hummingbird population will likely remain relatively steady but experience regional fluctuations in abundance and distribution. Slow declines are possible in the coming decades if threats are not adequately addressed. But active management of breeding habitat can help populations thrive. Engaging the public through backyard gardening, citizen science initiatives, and education programs will continue to play an important role in conservation.
Is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Endangered?
The ruby-throated hummingbird is not considered globally endangered or threatened with extinction based on its Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List. However, localized endangered designations may apply in areas where the species is in decline:
- Globally: Least Concern, population stable overall
- United States: Not listed federally under the Endangered Species Act
- State listings: Endangered in Indiana and Connecticut. Threatened in Illinois.
While habitat loss and pesticide impacts have caused dwindling numbers in certain states, the species remains common across most of its breeding range. Ruby-throated hummingbird populations appear stable in the core northern regions that support the vast majority of the total population. Targeted conservation action can help reverse declines on the regional level. Public education on providing flowering gardens and reducing pesticide usage can play a major role in supporting hummingbird populations.
Is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Population Decreasing?
Looking at the long-term trends and latest population data, the ruby-throated hummingbird has exhibited an overall population decrease in the past half century. However, the rate of decline seems to have leveled off in more recent decades:
- 1960s – peak abundance based on Breeding Bird Survey data
- 1970s to 2000s – estimated 35% population decline
- 2005-2015 – populations stable with slight annual increase of 0.60%
The steep declines appear to have occurred between the 1960s and 1990s. Over the past couple decades, ruby-throated hummingbird numbers seem to have stabilized across parts of their breeding range. However, localized declines continue, especially along the Pacific coast and in the Southwest.
Addressing ongoing habitat degradation and pesticide threats may help halt population decreases. More research is also needed to track migration patterns and overwintering trends, as threats on the wintering grounds could impact breeding success. With active conservation, the ruby-throated hummingbird decline can hopefully be reversed.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Conservation Status in Canada
In Canada, the ruby-throated hummingbird is listed as Secure by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). This means that the species is not considered at risk nationally, but does face some threats.
Here are a few key points about the ruby-throated hummingbird’s status in Canada:
- Breeding range covers southern Canada from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan
- Population estimate of 1 million birds
- Population believed to be stable or increasing in Canada
- Not listed under Canada’s federal Species at Risk Act
- Classified as Secure by COSEWIC (lowest risk designation)
The extensive boreal and mixed forests of Canada provide prime ruby-throated hummingbird habitat. Providing sufficient nectar plants in parks, gardens, and restored meadows will support Canadian populations. Reducing pesticide usage and collisions through bird-friendly building guidelines can also benefit the species. Maintaining healthy Canadian breeding populations is key for the long-term conservation of this migratory species.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Range Relative to Other Hummingbirds
The Ruby-throated hummingbird occupies the largest breeding range of any hummingbird in North America. Here’s how the ruby-throated’s range compares to other widespread hummingbird species on the continent:
| Species | Breeding Range |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Eastern and central North America |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Pacific Northwest and Alaska |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | California Coast |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Rocky Mountains and Southwest |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Western Mountains |
While species like the Anna’s, Black-chinned, and Costa’s Hummingbirds have expanded their ranges rapidly in recent decades, the ruby-throated is the only breeding hummingbird across eastern North America. Their adaptability to disturbed habitats enabled them to spread widely as settlers altered land. Protecting breeding and migratory stopover habitat across this broad range is crucial for ruby-throated hummingbird conservation.
Conclusion
In summary, the ruby-throated hummingbird remains one of the most common and familiar backyard birds across Eastern North America thanks to its adaptability and willingness to occupy human-altered habitat. But the species has experienced concerning population declines since the mid-1900s, especially on the fringes of its breeding range. Providing nectar-rich flowers, reducing pesticide impacts, and safeguarding migration stopover sites will help ensure ruby-throats continue brightening our summers with their metallic brilliance. With 7 million wild individuals still migrating annually up and down the Americas, maintaining healthy populations of the ruby-throated hummingbird is an important conservation responsibility.
