Eleven Humingbirds Migrate North To Montreal's Biodome

By Nadine Fortin

Montreal, Canada - Eleven energetic and brightly coloured hummingbirds were introduced into the Tropical Forest at the Montréal Biodôme this morning, around 9:30 a.m.

The two species come from Trinidad and Tobago, islands located 17 km off the coast of Venezuela. The white-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) and the rufous-breasted hermit or hairy hermit (Glaucis hirsuta) are both native to low-altitude rainforests like the one recreated at the Biodôme.

The two South American species are twice as large as their Quebec cousin, the ruby-throated hummingbird, measuring 10 to 12 cm and weighing 6 to 8 g.
They feed mainly on nectar, and occasionally add insects to their diet. 

During the mating season, male white-necked Jacobins put on impressive displays. The female builds a very flexible nest of plant fibre and spider webs, on broad leaves in shrubs at a height of 1 to 3 metres. The spider webs allow the nest to expand as the chicks grow.

It is interesting to note that male rufous-breasted hermits will defend their nests - behaviour unknown among other hummingbirds. The female incubates the clutch of two eggs for 17 to 19 days. The chicks remain with the female for three or four weeks, and begin reproducing the following year.

These two species are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES II). Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled.

At present, the white-necked Jacobin is not considered endangered for a number of reasons: it is relatively common, with a wide geographic range, and can live in habitats modified by humans. Rufous-breasted hermits are also relatively common, particularly in Amazonia. However, the species has been declining in some forests that have been destroyed or damaged, since its source of food is less abundant as a result.

There are 328 species of hummingbirds, making them the second-largest family of birds in the world. They are true athletes: their hearts beat 1,200 times a minute in flight, but then slow to 460 beats a minute at rest. At night, in a state of torpor, their heartbeat falls to 45 times a minute. Their wings are also remarkable, beating 50 to 80 times a second!

Feeders will be installed close to the paths at the Biodôme, so that the new hummingbirds will be easier to spot. Just move slowly so as not to startle them!

Photo credit: Claude Lafond.