Date: 5/20/26 3:05 pm From: Ian MacGregor <00000489141846bd-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Hummingbird Decline - A USFWS Summary
I would love to see the data on Allen’s Hummingbirds. The sendentarius subspecies was once restricted to the Channel Islands off southern California, but gained a foot hold on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Things remained that way for I’m guessing close to 50;years, then the bird spread into the interior valleys of Los Angeles County and now often outnumbers Anna’s there. Before the expansion nearly all Selasaphorous migrants through these valleys were Rufous. Allen’s required careful documentation. IIRC Calliope , though not often seen, was more expected.
When I see checklists including hundred’s of Allen’s Hummingbirds this year where none would haveexisted in 1968, I find the claim of a population collapse highly questionable.
“Bird’s of the World” notes that declines based on Breeding Bird Surveys are dubious, because of the polygamous nature of the males, that the males do not sing, and have often departed before the. surveys are taken. Since sedentarius is non-migratory the BBS detected decline involves the nominate , sasini
While I find the suggestion of a collapse in the total population questionable, I’m not sure if the BBS sasini data can be so readily dismissed. Unless there was some change in dates or methodology, and assuming the behavior of the birds has not changed, the problems of locating the birds on the survey were the same when more were being seen.
Allen’s is still listed as a Least Concern species.
-------- Original Message --------
On Wednesday, 05/20/26 at 15:06 <jwdavis...> <jwdavis...> wrote:
> We have mixed observations and opinions based on our own experiences and perspectives. The information below is what the USFWS reported in 2025 from data on various species and regions.
> U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Hummingbird Trends
> Hummingbirds are ecologically important pollinators and indicators of ecosystem health, but recent data show mixed and concerning population trends across North America.
> Overall declines in some species
> The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report found that Allen's hummingbird populations have declined by 80% between 1968 and 2019, placing it on the "Red-Alert" list for urgent conservation action [Birds and Blooms](https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/state-of-birds-report/). The rufous hummingbird is also at risk, listed as "Orange-Alert" [Birds and Blooms](https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/state-of-birds-report/). These declines are linked to threats such as collisions with buildings, predation by outdoor cats, and habitat loss [Birds and Blooms](https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/state-of-birds-report/).
> Contrasting trends among species
> Long-term Breeding Bird Survey data (1970–2019) show that Allen's, rufous, and broad-tailed hummingbirds have all declined since 1970, with faster declines after 2009 [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/). In contrast, ruby-throated hummingbirds in eastern North America have declined since about 2004 across most of their breeding range [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/). On the other hand, Anna's hummingbird populations have increased dramatically in western North America since 1970 [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/).
> Why trends differ
> These contrasting patterns suggest that while some species are thriving in certain regions (e.g., Anna's in California and the Pacific Northwest), others are facing steep declines due to habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbance [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/)[+1](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/). The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service notes that hummingbirds are vital for pollination and ecosystem balance, but their small size and high energy needs make them vulnerable to environmental changes [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/story/hummingbirds-north-america).
>
> Jerry Wayne Davis
> Hot Springs, AR
>
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