In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a new species of hummingbird using mini high-tech backpacks, or geolocators, to track their movements. This development marks a significant milestone in the study of these fascinating creatures, which are known for their incredible agility and vibrant colors.
Hummingbirds are a diverse group, with over 300 species found only in the Western Hemisphere, ranging from Alaska to the tip of South America. Despite their small size, these birds are capable of long-distance migration, with some traveling thousands of miles each year. The new species, dubbed the “Giant Hummingbird,” was discovered through the use of geolocators, which weigh much less than GPS units and can be carried by even the smallest of birds. These devices record the estimated longitude and latitude of a bird, but the data cannot be wirelessly or remotely transmitted, and must be retrieved from the bird and manually downloaded.