Help for Hummingbirds

Each year in the spring, certain species of hummingbirds return to the United States after their winter hiatus in South or Central America. When they return, my mom and I are ready for them, filling our red hummingbird feeders with batches of sugar water and hanging them outside to attract the birds. We love to watch them flit from feeder to flower, their tiny wings quivering as they stop mid-flight and hover a few feet away, eyeing us watchfully. Sometimes as many as five appear in our yard at once. This year, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds will be the first to return, arriving around April 13.

In terms of their conservation status, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are doing just fine. Other east coast hummingbirds are also listed as “of least concern.” But there are many other species throughout Central and South America considered “critically endangered” or “endangered” as a result of toxic pesticides and loss of habitat as the rainforest is destroyed.

According to the Hummingbird Society, hummingbirds are only found in the Americas and the Caribbean islands. They are our natural treasures, and we have the responsibility of protecting them. As the only U.S.-based organization working to save bird habitats across the Americas, the American Bird Conservancy said, “We should no more allow the loss of natural life than destroy a masterpiece of art.” Signing up for the ABC’s e-newsletter will bring petitions and the latest information right to your inbox.

The hummingbirds listed as “critically endangered” have a 50% chance of extinction in ten years. Take a look because this may be your only chance to see them while they are still living:

Marvelous Spatuletail (By: David Cook, Source: Flickr)

Sapphire-Bellied Hummingbird (By: Fredy Gomez, Source: sentidonatural.org)

Short-Crested Coquette (By: Ryan Shaw, Source: Flickr)

Honduran Emerald (By: Dominic Sherony, Source: Greenfudge.org)

Chestnut-Bellied Hummingbird (By: Jorge Parra, Source: ibc.lynxeds.com)

Thanks for reading! What are you going to do to help endangered hummingbirds? Tell me in the comments section!