How do males benefit by arriving early?
"The most successful males are those who get the best territories. Males have the best chance of getting a territory when they arrive first. A good territory means better food sources and a better chance of attracting females. "
How do females benefit by arriving later?
"By the time the females arrive, more flower nectar and insects are likely to be available to eat. Temperatures are also warmer. Females need to conserve their energy for nesting and raising young."
Try This!
- This spring, count the days between the arrival of the male and female hummingbirds that visit your flowers or feeder.
Photos: Russ Thompson (top), Ed Robertson (bottom).
