This is Bird Note. Not that long ago, the only hummingbird someone living in the eastern United States and Canada could hope to see was the familiar little Ruby-throated.

Over the past couple, little ruby-throated.

Over the past couple of decades, more and more Western and tropical hummingbird species have been discovered

far out of what used to be considered their normal range,

especially in winter, and especially at feeders.

Historically, Western hummingbirds, say the broad-build, caliope, and broad-tailed species can turn up at hummingbird feeders virtually across the continent.

The real prizes nowadays are the dazzling vagrants from Central and South America.

Every one as exotically beautiful as its name.

Green Violet Ear. Green-breasted M mango, Bahama Woodstar.

As for why this colorful explosion is happening now, it's hard to pin down. Climate change is one possible factor.

So are shifts in migration routes.

Or it could just be that more people are on the lookout for these relative newcomers.

Whatever the reasons, keep your eyes and ears open

this winter. You just might chance upon a glittering glistening visitor never

before seen in your area.

For Bird Note, I'm Mary McCann.

Today's show brought to you by The Bobbeling Foundation. babbling foundation.