UNM researchers discover largest hummingbird is actually two species

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Researchers from the University of New Mexico documented the world’s largest hummingbird’s extreme long-distance migration for the first time and found a new species along the way. The giant hummingbird of western South America is not one species but actually two.

UNM researchers found the new species as part of an eight-year study led by Jessie Williamson. The northern population stays in the high Andes Mountains year round while the newly discovered southern population migrates from sea level up to 13,000 feet.

Researchers originally thought the giant hummingbirds “vanished” after breeding and the mystery remained unsolved since the 19th Century when Charles Darwin observed the migratory giant hummingbirds. Now, UNM researchers have found the difference between the two species.

Williamson and his team made the discovery by attaching miniature backpack tracking devices to the hummingbirds.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.