November: Changing the Feathers
In November the hummingbirds are molting, a process that may start as early as October. While on the wintering grounds, all Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are losing and replacing their flight and body feathers, including wing feathers. They will need fresh new feathers before migrating north. Feathers are a bird's most important flight gear. Hummingbirds have fewer feathers than other birds. Even a tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird has about 940 feathers to keep in order, so it stops flying several times a day to preen. Nectar is sticky so hummers must clean up. Preening helps keep the feathers clean and aligned, making the bird's wings efficient and its body aerodynamic.
Image: John Doerper