Birdtober Day 9: Urine and What It Can Tell Us

I spent a wonderful morning talking with Dr. Paulina Gonzalez about her research on hummingbirds. Biochemical analysis of large animals is usually done with blood samples. Hummingbirds are so tiny and delicate that it’s difficult to get enough blood without overly stressing the animal both physically and emotionally. Dr. Gonzalez extracts their urine instead, which is much easier since a) hummingbirds pee a LOT, because they have to drink so much nectar, and b) all it takes is a tiny moment of disorientation before they realize they’re trapped and nervous-pee. Boom. She’s in with her pipette before they figure it out and then they’re free to fly off.

What she and her team look for is different hormone levels (testosterone or stress). It’s fascinating work and I’d like to thank her for helping to develop a minimally invasive research method for these birds!