Daily consumption of sugar syrup by Rufous Hummingbirds at feeders in Clearwater, British Columbia, 2013–2020

Dennis A. Leonard

1208 Clearwater Valley Rd, Clearwater, B.C., V0E 1N1; email: dennisleonardbc@gmail.com

Abstract: Sugar-syrup consumption, primarily by Rufous Hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus), was monitored May 12 to August 12 over eight years, 2013–2020. Data show wide variation in consumption, often with large changes during the hummingbird season. Consumption decreased, which is a presumed indicator of decline in hummingbird numbers over time. The method of measuring syrup consumption by weight worked well and could be used to monitor hummingbird populations at other locations. This technique is well suited to a citizen science program to track hummingbird populations across the continent.

Key words: Rufous Hummingbird, , daily syrup consumption, nectar, British Columbia.

PDFicon Leonard, D.A. 2021. Daily consumption of sugar syrup by Rufous Hummingbirds at feeders in Clearwater, British Columbia, 2013–2020. British Columbia Birds 31:31–35. First published on-line November 2020.

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