Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris

Classification: Order: Apodiformes, Family: Trochilidae

A tiny, precision-flying bird known for its iridescent feathers and fast wingbeats. They are solitary and highly territorial near food sources.

Region of Origin: Eastern North America and Central America
Typical Sighting Period: Spring and summer (April to September) in the northern range; winter in the southern range
Plumage Details: Adult males have a brilliant iridescent red throat (gorget) and emerald green back. Females (shown) and juveniles have a white throat, green back, and buffy or white underparts with white tips on the outer tail feathers.
Ecological Significance: Primary pollinator for many tubular wildflowers; they facilitate plant reproduction while feeding.
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN); population is stable or increasing.
Observation Tips: Maintain a red nectar feeder with 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

Length: 7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 in), Wingspan: 8-11 cm (3.1-4.3 in), Weight: 2-6 g (0.07-0.21 oz)

Nectar from flowers and feeders; also consumes small insects and spiders for protein.

Deciduous forests, edge habitats, orchards, and suburban gardens.

Migratory; they travel from the Eastern US/Canada across the Gulf of Mexico to Central America for winter.

Rapid, high-pitched squeaky chipping notes and a low humming sound produced by wing vibrations.

Builds a tiny cup nest made of thistle/dandelion down held together with spider silk and camouflaged with lichen; typically 2 eggs.

Slender, slightly down-curved bill; green crown/back; white underparts; females have white-tipped tail feathers.

Black-chinned Hummingbird (found further west, males have purple band) and Rufous Hummingbird (more orange/rufous coloration).

They can beat their wings about 53 times per second and are the only birds that can fly backward and upside down.