Banding Day in the Queen City

After feeding the hummingbird, Susan carefully began the banding process. As shown in the photo below, she measured the length of the hummingbird's primary wing feathers. The measurements of certain feathers on a hummingbird are vital in determining such factors as age, sex, and species. The bird is also weighed, and the species of hummingbird involved is verified. The Mellichamp's bird was identified as a female Black-chinned Hummingbird. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are a very exciting find in North Carolina (fewer than 20 reports). (Next)