Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Male Ruby-throat visits feeder at Protection Farm

Archilochus colubris

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is thought to be the only species of hummingbird that breeds in eastern North America, east of the Mississippi River.  Rufus and about 8 other species have been banded in the southeast. They are tiny, weigh less than an ounce.  They eat nectar and insects. For the most part these birds are solitary although several can share the same territory. Males have brilliant ruby throat patches and females, which are slightly larger have either a slight white patch or none at all.  The nest is tiny, made by the female and is constructed of bud scales, lichen and spiders silk. It is often lined with dandelion, thistle, or milkweed down.  The eggs are pea-sized. Incubation is between 12-16 days. Nests may be occupied for several seasons, with an annual repair. It is thought that the same birds return to the same nests each year. 

The vocalization of the Ruby-throat consists of rapid, high pitched squeaky chirps, chortles, and rattles.  The vocals are mainly used to aggressively warn other hummingbirds that they are too near but the sounds are used to communicate with other animals including humans if they are intruding. Ruby-throats at Protection farm have been observed perching near feeders and often loudly swooping in to defend from bees, Hummingbird moths) and butterflies.  The species winters in Central America including southern Mexico and south to Costa Rica. During its twice yearly migrations it crosses the Gulf of Mexico, non stop.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird:

- Beats its wings on average between 50-75 times a second and can go as high as 200.

- It’s extremely short legs prevent it from walking or hopping. The best it can do is shuffle along a perch. Nevertheless, it scratches its head and neck by raising its foot up and over its wing.

- It does not show a strong preference for any particular color of feeder. Instead, it prefers specific feeder locations.

- Size: 7-9 cm (3-4 in)

- Wingspan: 8-11 cm (3-4 in)

- Weight: 2-6 g (0.07-0.21 ounces)

- Back iridescent green.

- Hovers at flowers and is particularly attracted to red flowers.

- Male with brilliant iridescent red throat.