A remarkable sighting of a rufous hummingbird in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, has drawn attention to a changing migration pattern for these small birds. On November 2, 2023, Ron Burkert discovered the tiny bird at his feeder, a mere speck smaller than an apple seed. Recognizing its significance, Burkert quickly captured photos to identify the species, later confirmed by ornithologist Bob Mulvihill from the National Aviary.
This particular rufous hummingbird measures about three inches in length and typically breeds from southern Alaska to Northern California. Traditionally, these birds migrate to Mexico for the winter, but recent studies indicate that some are now heading to the Gulf Coast via a new route that includes stops in places like Pittsburgh. Mulvihill noted, “It’s certainly interesting to see a hummingbird when there is snow around and in frigid temperatures. These temperatures might not be as hard on them as you would think.”
Burkert, a seasoned birdwatcher and member of the Three Rivers Birding Club, has been dedicated to attracting winter hummingbirds. He has kept his feeder operational until Thanksgiving, utilizing a heated model to prevent the sugar water from freezing. “It’s a responsibility,” Burkert explained, referring to his daily maintenance of the feeder, which has been in use for over five weeks.
The rufous hummingbird is a rare sight in Pennsylvania, although a small number have been reported each winter. Research over the past three decades shows that many of these birds are now adapting their migration habits. Instead of traveling directly south, some are taking a detour through Pennsylvania before continuing to their wintering grounds.
According to Mulvihill, who has been banding and tracking these birds since the late 1970s, the first rufous hummingbird he banded in Pennsylvania was in 1990, just north of Ligonier. Prior to this, winter sightings were considered accidental. “There was no understanding of what might have led to the occurrences of these birds well outside their normal range,” he said.
As more winter records surfaced, a network of bird banders formed to monitor the population across western Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. The period from the late 1990s to around 2013 was particularly fruitful, with Mulvihill traveling extensively to track reported sightings. He estimates having banded about three dozen hummingbirds during this time, primarily rufous.
The process of banding these delicate birds involves careful techniques and permits. Banders assess the birds’ health and collect data, allowing researchers to monitor their movements and lifespans. Remarkably, some birds have returned to the same feeders year after year, demonstrating a strong affinity for certain locations.
Mulvihill highlighted the dual migration strategy that some rufous hummingbirds have developed. Traditionally, these birds migrate through the Rocky Mountains to Mexico, but now a secondary migration route has emerged. “They are having a ‘molt migration,'” he explained. This means that instead of heading straight to warmer climates, some birds pause in areas like Pennsylvania to replenish their energy and grow new feathers.
The changing behaviors of these hummingbirds reflect broader shifts in nature. “This one is a dramatic change. It’s the evolution of a new migration strategy in just the last 30-40 years,” Mulvihill said. As winter approaches, the availability of bird feeders, particularly heated ones, has created an environment where these birds can thrive even in colder temperatures.
While some may question whether the proliferation of feeders has influenced this migration route, Mulvihill points out that these birds have likely been adapting long before the advent of heated feeders. “They are traveling a similar distance but are orienting in a different direction and ending up in a different place,” he noted.
As winter sets in, the presence of rufous hummingbirds in Pennsylvania serves as a reminder of nature’s adaptability and the ongoing changes in migratory patterns. The experiences of enthusiasts like Burkert highlight the community’s commitment to supporting these remarkable birds during their seasonal journeys.
