OBSERVATIONS OF HUMMINGBIRDS INGESTING MINERAL-RICH COMPOUNDS

Hummingbirds may need to replace electrolytes and minerals lost during daily diuresis and seasonal reproduction. Minerals such as calcium ma y not be obtained in sufficient quantities from a nectar-rich diet alo ne. We report observations of female Rufous Hummingbirds (Selasporus r ufus) ingesting soil in western Oregon and review other known observat ions of hummingbirds ingesting mineral-rich compounds. We suggest thes e behaviors are the result of diet deficiencies of specific minerals, particularly calcium for nesting females.