Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Test

When should juvenile hummingbirds be released?

1. Only during the summer months

2. While adults are still present

3. When they are fully grown

4. At night to avoid predators

The correct answer is: While adults are still present

Juvenile hummingbirds should ideally be released while adults are still present because this allows the young birds to receive guidance and assistance as they transition to independent living. Adult hummingbirds can help show the juveniles where to find food sources and teach them vital survival skills. This social aspect is crucial for their development, as the presence of adults can offer camouflage, protection, and support, significantly increasing the chances of the juveniles’ successful adaptation to life on their own. In contrast, releasing them at night or solely based on maturity may not provide the same level of safety or support. Although juveniles need to be fully grown to be capable of survival, releasing them without the presence of adults could lead to challenges in finding food and avoiding dangers in the environment. Therefore, the timing of release is key to ensuring a successful transition into the wild for juvenile hummingbirds.