Giant Hummingbirds and Mini Backpacks

Photo Credit: SciTechDaily

In May 2024, a new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that what was previously considered to be the giant hummingbird (genus Patagona) was actually two distinct species. 

Scientists attached tiny tracker backpacks to 57 hummingbirds in Chile for a study on hummingbird migration. Midway through this research, scientists realized they were observing two distinct species.

The northern giant hummingbird (P. chaski) lives year-round in the Andes mountain range, whereas the Southern giant hummingbird (P. gigas) is migratory. Researchers studied museum specimens, some up to 154 years old, and found that the two species diverged millions of years ago. This was a surprise, since both types of hummingbird have practically identical anatomical features. 

The migration study’s micro backpack-like geolocators each weighed 0.3 grams and were designed to be light and compact to prevent restriction of the the giant hummingbirds’ unique style of flight. Scientists designed a backpack harness using a type of jewelry cord. 

When collecting birds, the research team faced obstacles such as like the area’s lack of running water or electricity, as well as few optimal places to put up fine mesh nets. 

Data from the study revealed that the hummingbirds ascend to up to 13,000 feet above sea level. Additionally, scientists possibly discovered the longest hummingbird migration, which stretches 5,200 miles.

“Everything about the giants is anomalous,” Jessie Williamson told CNN. Williamson is one of the authors, and works at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. “They are not only far larger (two times or more) than the second largest hummingbird, but their wingbeats and heartbeats are far slower [...] and their wings are proportionately longer, so they have a completely unique appearance in flight — almost like a hovering swift.”

The unusually large birds were first observed in 1834 by English naturalist Charles Darwin, whose research formed the backbone of the recent study. During his visit to Chile, he observed that giant hummingbirds were about eight times the size of typical hummingbirds and gathered along the Pacific coast to breed, after which they seemed to completely vanish.

According to the new research, Southern giant hummingbirds have different blood and lung capacities than the Northern hummingbirds. Further studies will be conducted on how the two species interact and the evolution of their migratory patterns.