A Buteo sp. Hawk Predates a Hummingbird (Trochilidae) During Autumn Migration

Theodore J. Zenzal Jr.^1,* and Emily J. Lain^2,3

¹United States Geological Survey (USGS), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC), Lafayette, LA 70506. ²Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, IL 61820.³Current affiliation - Cherokee Nation System Solutions (Tulsa, OK 74116) in support of USGS WARC, Lafayette, LA 70506. *Corresponding author.

Southeastern Naturalist, Volume 22, Issue 4 (2023): N67–N71

First published early online: 16 December 2023

Abstract
Predation can play a significant role on survival during migration as birds find themselves competing for resources in unfamiliar habitats. Here we describe the first documented observation of a Buteo platypterus (Broad-winged Hawk) predating an Archilochus colubris (Ruby-throated Hummingbird) during autumn migration. To our knowledge, this is the first documented record of any Buteo sp. hawk predating any Trochilidae (hummingbird). While predation on hummingbirds likely represents a minor source of mortality, identifying sources of predation and mortality is important in understanding the risk of migration for any species.

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