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N.C. Sightings & Discoveries
As word spread of sightings in other Southeastern states, the number of reports in North Carolina increased. So far, rufous hummingbirds are the most commonly reported in the non-breeding season. No one can say for sure if these birds have always been around and just not noticed, or are now more prevalent because of many new hummingbird gardens and feeders being left up year-round.
To date,
11 species of hummingbirds have been reported in North Carolina, including
some ruby-throated hummingbirds that have spent the fall and winter. Nine
of these species have been banded.
View
map of non-rufous vagrant hummingbird sightings in NC
 |
photo:
Susan Campbell |
In February 2003 we recaptured a male rufous hummingbird originally banded as a juvenile during the winter of 2001-'02 in North Raleigh. He had moved a mere 200 yards from his original banding site, and had been there all year long! He was there until April 10 2003 when he presumably migrated at last. This is the first year-round rufous hummingbird documented in the East.
The first adult male calliope hummingbird in the state was banded in Hillsborough. It was present from December 2002 until the stormy weather in late January 2003.
The state's first Allen's hummingbird was banded in Manteo. This young male survived the blizzard there and was present for eight weeks from mid-January through mid-March 2003.
Report a vagrant hummingbird sighting
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