Hummingbird (Ruby-throated)

Overview

Archilochus colubris, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, is a small migratory bird weighing only 2-6 grams and measuring 7-9 cm in length. It is the most widespread and common hummingbird in eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada to Central America during different seasons. The species is named for the male's distinctive iridescent red gorget (throat patch), which appears black in poor lighting but flashes brilliant ruby-red when catching sunlight at the right angle. These remarkable birds are capable of extraordinary aerial feats, including hovering in place, flying backwards, and achieving wingbeat frequencies of about 53 beats per second during normal flight. Their rapid metabolism requires them to feed frequently throughout the day, visiting hundreds of flowers and consuming up to half their body weight in nectar daily. They also supplement their diet with small insects and spiders for essential proteins. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds undertake an impressive migration journey, with many individuals making a non-stop 800-kilometer flight across the Gulf of Mexico during spring and fall migrations. Before migration, they nearly double their body weight through intensive feeding, storing fat that fuels their long-distance flights. This species has adapted well to human-modified landscapes and readily visits backyard feeders, making it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts throughout its range.

How to identify

Adult males have metallic green upperparts, a white breast, forked tail with black feathers, and the diagnostic iridescent ruby-red gorget that may appear black in shadow. Females and juveniles have green upperparts, whitish underparts with buff or grayish wash on sides, a rounded tail with white tips on outer feathers, and a white throat sometimes with faint dusky streaking. Both sexes have a relatively long, straight, needle-like black bill and tiny feet. In flight, the wings produce a distinctive humming sound. No true vocalizations are used for song, but males produce chip notes and chattering calls during territorial disputes.

Habitat

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds inhabit a variety of habitats including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, meadows, parks, gardens, and orchards. They prefer areas with abundant flowering plants and are often found near woodland openings, streams, and other edge habitats. During breeding season, they favor deciduous woodlands with clearings. They readily adapt to suburban and urban gardens where nectar-rich flowers and feeders are available.

Distribution

This species breeds throughout eastern North America from southern Canada (Alberta east to Nova Scotia) south to the Gulf Coast and central Texas. During winter, most migrate to southern Mexico and Central America, primarily from southern Mexico through Costa Rica, with some remaining in southern Florida. The breeding range extends from the Atlantic coast westward to the Great Plains, making it the only hummingbird species regularly found east of the Mississippi River during summer.

Diet

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from tubular flowers, showing preference for red, orange, and pink blooms, though they visit flowers of many colors. They also consume tree sap from sapsucker wells and feed extensively on small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Insects are caught by hawking in mid-air or gleaned from foliage and spider webs. At feeders, they drink sugar water (typically a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio). They must feed every 10-15 minutes throughout the day to maintain their extremely high metabolic rate.

Behavior

These solitary, territorial birds are highly aggressive, with males defending feeding territories and performing elaborate courtship displays consisting of U-shaped or pendulum-like flight patterns. They are exceptional fliers capable of hovering, flying backwards, upside-down, and making rapid directional changes. Wing beats average 53 times per second during normal flight and up to 200 times per second during courtship dives. They enter a state of torpor at night to conserve energy, lowering their metabolic rate and body temperature significantly. Males establish and defend territories but provide no parental care. Females are also territorial around nesting and feeding areas.

Reproduction & life cycle

Breeding occurs from March to July, with timing varying by latitude. Males arrive at breeding grounds before females and establish territories. After mating, females alone build the tiny cup-shaped nest (about the size of a walnut half) from plant down, spider silk, and lichen, typically placed on a downward-sloping branch 3-12 meters above ground. Females lay 2 white eggs (each about the size of a pea) and incubate them for 12-14 days. Nestlings fledge after 18-22 days but may continue to be fed by the female for up to a week after leaving the nest. Females may raise 1-3 broods per season depending on latitude and resource availability.

When to look

Spring migration: March-May (arrives breeding grounds April-May); Breeding season: May-July; Fall migration: August-October; Best viewing in North America: April-September; Present year-round in parts of southern Mexico and Central America during winter (November-March)

Cultural significance

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds hold special significance in Indigenous North American cultures, often symbolizing joy, beauty, and the ability to accomplish the impossible. Among Cherokee traditions, hummingbirds are associated with bringing tobacco to people and are considered sacred healers. In modern times, they are beloved garden visitors and have inspired countless works of art, photography, and literature. The species plays an important role in public education about wildlife conservation and habitat gardening. Hummingbird feeding has become a popular hobby, connecting millions of people to nature through their backyards.

Similar species

• Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)
• Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

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