Press Releases

Thursday, November 8, 2007

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:  Angela Speed

 (414) 431-6104  aspeed@wihumane.org

Rare Bird Arrives at the Wisconsin Humane Society

Green-breasted Mango Hummingbird
Spotted in Only 4 U.S. States

MILWAUKEE – Over 700 bird lovers flocked to Beloit this fall just for the chance to catch a glimpse of a creature so rare, he’s only been spotted in three other U.S. states. The Green-Breasted Mango, a hummingbird native to Central America and Southern and Eastern Mexico, somehow ended up over 2,000 miles from home. After feeding at a home in Beloit for several weeks, the little bird didn’t seem to be moving south for the winter. Deeply concerned about the welfare of the bird’s ability to survive the approaching cold front, birdwatchers captured and safely transported him to the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Milwaukee. In a few days, he will be transported to Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo for long-term care.

Questions have arisen regarding what is in the best interest of the bird and whether captivity is the right solution for the hummingbird. However, he would likely have perished in the recent cold front and returning the bird to his normal range is not well-advised, either. “This bird’s navigational capabilities are obviously quite deficient,” said Scott Diehl, Wildlife Manager at the Wisconsin Humane Society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. “The Brookfield Zoo provides excellent care; we anticipate that the hummingbird will thrive for many, many years in his new home.”

WHS also points out that the Green-breasted Mango is not listed on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which regulates the capture, transport and keeping of most migratory bird species. Hence, there are no legal obstacles to transporting the bird from Milwaukee to the Brookfield Zoo which has excellent aviary resources.

Local media will have one opportunity – perhaps in a lifetime – to film this special bird in Milwaukee. In order to minimize stress for the bird, he can only be shown for one session.

WHAT: Green-breasted Mango Hummingbird Photo-Op and
Question & Answer session

WHEN: Friday, November 9, 2:00p.m.

WHERE: Wisconsin Humane Society
4500 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208

PHOTO OPP: The hummingbird will be held in-hand for brief filming.

For an extensive article on the sighting in Beloit, see the Chicago Tribune’s article from October 15, 2007.

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