Hummingbird Longevity Records * Go, Idaho!

The typical lifespan for US hummingbirds is about 3 to 5 years., although a few individuals will live much longer. Only about 50% of hatch year birds survive their first year and first migrations. Banding is the main way we track and learn about populations, migratory patterns, etc. of these birds. For more information about Rudeen Ranch hummingbirds, check our homepage for 2024 Roundup Results.

Today I’m highlighting the newly updated 2024 hummingbird longevity records for the 5 species that breed in Idaho. 2 of the longevity records are held by Idaho hummingbirds!

Black-chinned female. 12 years 1 month. Banded, recaptured and released alive in Idaho. Recapture year 2019.

Calliope .female 10 years 1 month Banded, recaptured and released alive in Idaho. Recapture year 2023.

Broad-tailed female 12 years 2 months Banded, recaptured and released alive in Colorado. Recapture year 1987.

Anna’s male 8 years 2 months.Banded, recaptured and released alive in Arizona. Recapture year 2001

Rufous female 8 years 11 months. Banded, recaptured and released alive in British Columbia. Recapture year 2004.

All of these birds were captured and banded by licensed hummingbird banders and were released alive and unharmed. The 2024 update of bird longevity records has just been released by the USGS American Bird Banding Program. Access it at pwrc.usgs.gov.