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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2025.12.29.696924

Ultralight Solar Transmitter Enables Fine-Scale Movement Ecology in North American Hummingbird Migration

Rhodes, E. M.·Burcher, S.·Johnson, E.·Contreras-Martinez, S.·La Puma, D. A.·Shepard, K.·Williams, D.·Lanzone, M.
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Abstract

O_LIDue to attachment weight limitations, animals under 5g have remained a major methodological barrier in movement ecology, limiting tracking options for many small-bodied organisms. C_LIO_LIWe developed and field-tested an ultra-light solar powered transmitter (Bl[u]Morpho 0.058-0.060g) designed to enable continuous, near real-time tracking using a broad, crowd sourced network. C_LIO_LIWe validated the system on two North American hummingbird species during spring migration, demonstrating reliable detection, multi-week retention, broad spatial coverage (United States, Mexico and Canada), and long-distance migration paths including a 6,526km cumulative track. C_LIO_LIOur results highlight the ability to track the smallest of species across the full migratory range with fine-scale spatial resolution and high temporal resolution using the Bl[u]Morpho transmitter. Importantly, we present the first migratory tracks known to exist on North American hummingbird species. C_LI Data/Code for peer review statementsR Code used for all analyses is attached for peer review.

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Rhodes, E. M., Burcher, S., Johnson, E., Contreras-Martinez, S., La Puma, D. A., Shepard, K., Williams, D., Lanzone, M.. 2025-12-29. Ultralight Solar Transmitter Enables Fine-Scale Movement Ecology in North American Hummingbird Migration. https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.12.29.696924

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