The Short Answer
No, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird cannot naturally have an orange throat. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is named for its distinctive bright red throat, which can appear black in low light. An orange throat color would be highly unusual and likely indicative of a genetic mutation or diet-related pigment issue. Wild Ruby-throated Hummingbirds always exhibit the species’ classic red throat patch.
Identifying the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of the most widespread and recognizable hummingbird species in North America. As their name indicates, Ruby-throats are easily identified by the iridescent crimson patch on the males’ throats, bordered by a thin band of white. This bright red throat patch is highly distinctive and contrasts sharply with the bird’s otherwise predominantly green plumage.
During the breeding season, male Ruby-throats may pump their throats in and out to better display the red patch to females and establish breeding territories. When the throat is flexed, the patch can appear to flash or shimmer as the color shifts in intensity. Female Ruby-throats lack the vivid red throat patch and are outfitted in much drabber plumage overall.
Standard Ruby-throated Hummingbird Throat Color
The throat patch color of healthy, wild-type Ruby-throats falls within a relatively narrow range on the color spectrum. While the hue may shift slightly between individuals or lighting conditions, it reliably falls in the crimson to scarlet range. Standard descriptions characterize the color as ruby, cherry, fire engine red, or carmine.
Notably absent from this range are orange, peach, coral, salmon, or other reddish-orange hues. A Ruby-throat boasting an orange throat, rather than the typical bright red, would immediately stand out as highly unusual.
Throat Color Variations
While wild-type Ruby-throated Hummingbirds all share the characteristic red throat, there is some minor natural variation between individuals. Factors that can cause slight shifts in throat color include:
- Age – Juvenile and immature males may exhibit a lighter pinkish throat rather than the full red of adults.
- Molt Stage – Throat color may be less vibrant when emerging from a molt.
- Time of Day – The throat can appear darker in low light conditions.
- Angle of View – Iridescence causes shifts from red to black when viewed from different angles.
- Health – Poor diet or diseases may dull the typical color.
However, while these factors lead to minor variation, the color still falls along the red spectrum. Significant deviation from red to orange or another hue likely indicates an underlying issue.
Causes of Non-Typical Throat Color
There are a few scenarios that could potentially lead to a Ruby-throated Hummingbird exhibiting an unusually orange throat color:
Genetic Mutation
In rare cases, a genetic mutation could cause abnormal pigmentation that transforms the bird’s throat patch color. Random color morphs like albinism and leucism sometimes occur naturally in wild bird populations. A mutation specifically altering the red hue to orange or yellow isn’t impossible, though the odds of such a mutation occurring and being viable enough for the bird to survive to adulthood are extremely slim.
Hybridization
Another explanation could be hybridization with another hummingbird species exhibiting orange throat plumage. Allen’s and Rufous Hummingbirds are two western species with orange gorgets. If an individual bird’s range overlapped with a Ruby-throat, cross-breeding could potentially produce hybrid offspring blending the two species’ traits.
However, most hummingbird species have very distinct breeding ranges with little overlap. Plus hybridization among hummingbirds is infrequent enough that a hybrid is unlikely.
Dietary Pigment Issue
The red color of the Ruby-throat’s gorget comes from carotenoid pigments obtained through the bird’s diet. Carotenoids are organic compounds produced by plants. Different types of carotenoids produce different hues.
If a Ruby-throat’s diet became unusually deficient in the normal red pigments, it could cause a color shift. However, carotenoids are abundant in nectar and the species’ typical food sources, making this an unlikely explanation.
Sickness or Injury
Finally, trauma, disease, or an underlying health issue could potentially dull or alter a Ruby-throat’s throat patch color. Things like poor nutrition, infections, liver disease, or feather-damaging mites could all theoretically impact plumage pigmentation.
However, for the red hue to shift all the way to orange due to sickness would likely require an extreme situation. Most health-related color changes manifest as paler or duskier shades of red rather than a total hue change.
Conclusion
While not impossible, an orange-throated Ruby-throated Hummingbird would be highly exceptional. Natural color variation within the species occurs along a spectrum from pink to crimson, but not into the orange range.
For a Ruby-throat to develop an orange throat, some unusual factor would have to be at play, like a genetic mutation, hybridization, severe diet deficiency, or serious health problem. Healthy wild populations of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will universally exhibit the iconic bright red throat patches that give the species its name. Any significant color deviation should be considered abnormal.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Identification Guide
| Characteristic | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2.8-3.5 in long | 3-4 in long |
| Wingspan | 3.1-4.3 in | 3.1-4.3 in |
| Weight | 0.1-0.2 oz | 0.1-0.2 oz |
| Plumage | Emerald green above, gray below. Distinctive ruby-red throat. | Green above, white below. No red throat. |
| Beak | Needle-like | Needle-like |
| Unique traits | Forked tail, red throat feathers | White tips on outer tail feathers |
Geographic Range
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breed across most of eastern North America and winter in Florida, Mexico, and Central America. Their breeding range spans:
- Canada – southern Ontario and Quebec south through the Maritimes
- United States – all states east of the Great Plains plus coastal Pacific Northwest
- Mexico – high elevation central regions
During winter, they vacate most of the northern parts of the range. Migrating birds travel across the Gulf of Mexico to and from wintering grounds.
Habitat
Ruby-throats occupy a variety of habitats during the breeding season, including:
- Open woodlands
- Orchards
- Pine forests
- Meadows
- Parks and gardens
- Along forest edges
They readily inhabit human-altered environments and thrive around homes with flower gardens and feeders.
Diet
Ruby-throats eat:
- Nectar – from flowers of herbs, shrubs, and trees
- Small insects – for protein
- Tree sap – supplemental food source
- Pollen
- Spiders and spiderwebs – provides insects and minerals
Some favorite nectar sources include columbines, trumpet vines, bee balm, and impatiens.
Reproduction
- Males arrive at breeding grounds first and establish feeding territories
- Complex courtship rituals to attract females
- Females build a small cup-shaped nest out of plant down and spiderwebs
- Two pea-sized white eggs laid and incubated for 14-16 days
- Young fledge after 18-22 days
Ruby-throats produce 1-3 broods per breeding season from May to August.
Migration
Ruby-throats are long-distance migrants, traveling between their eastern breeding range and Mexico/Central America for winter. Key aspects of their migration include:
- Males begin migrating north in February, females follow in March/April
- Fall migration back south occurs September to November
- Most cross the Gulf of Mexico nonstop over 18-22 hours
- Migrate alone, not in flocks
- Young birds instincitvely migrate south their first fall without guidance
Banding studies have documented Ruby-throats returning to the same breeding and wintering sites each year.
Vocalizations
Ruby-throats have various distinctive vocalizations:
- Shrill chipping during aggressive interactions
- Dive-like rising whistles as courtship display
- High-pitched squeaks and chip notes to communicate
- Wings hum at 50 beats per second during flight
- Strident defensive buzzing of wings when threatened
Male courtship dives involve flying up and down in U-shaped patterns while vocalizing.
Conservation Status
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds remain common across their habitat range. Partners in Flight estimates a breeding population of 12 million, with highest densities in the southeastern U.S.
They are protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act but not considered threatened or endangered. Maintaining flower gardens, reducing pesticide use, and hummingbird feeders help support these charismatic birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you keep a Ruby-throated Hummingbird as a pet?
No, it is illegal to keep native wild hummingbirds like the Ruby-throat as pets. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which prohibits capturing, killing or possessing migratory birds without a permit. Appreciate them in the wild instead.
What time of year do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate?
Most Ruby-throats migrate south in late August through November. Northbound migration happens in February through May as birds return to their breeding grounds. The exact timing varies by region.
How long do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds live?
Wild Ruby-throats generally live 3-5 years on average. The typical lifespan ranges from 2-7 years. The oldest known wild Ruby-throat was 12 years old. With care, captive birds may live 10-15 years.
How do hummingbirds survive winter?
Ruby-throats survive cold winters by migrating south to warmer climates in Mexico, Central America, and Florida where food is more plentiful. This long-distance migration is an adaptation that allows the small birds to thrive far north of their tropical origins.
Do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds mate for life?
No, Ruby-throats are polygynous – males mate with multiple females each breeding season and do not form lasting pair bonds. Females care for the young alone. Both males and females may mate with new partners each year. They migrate individually and don’t reunite.
How do you identify male vs female Ruby-throats?
Males have a vibrant metallic red throat patch while females have white underparts and lack the red throat. Males are also smaller on average and have slightly darker green upperparts compared to females. Immature males may show some speckled red starting to come in on the throat.
Why do hummingbirds have long beaks?
A hummingbird’s long slender beak allows it to reach nectar at the base of long tubular flowers. The beak’s length perfectly matches the shape and size of the bird’s favorite nectar flowers. The thinness allows the beak to precisely probe flowers to extract energy-rich nectar.
Do hummingbirds reuse their nests?
No, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds build a new nest each breeding season. The small cup-shaped nests are not durable enough to withstand weathering and deterioration over the winter. By rebuilding, females can choose new favorable nest sites near newly blooming flowers each spring.
How do hummingbirds sleep?
Hummingbirds go into a hibernation-like state called torpor at night to conserve energy. Their metabolic rate slows, body temperature drops, and heart rate plummets as they enter a deep sleep. This lowers their energy needs so they can survive on the limited calories from nectar.
Conclusion
In summary, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds always exhibit a bright ruby-red throat in normal conditions. While some minor natural variation occurs, the hue typically falls within a narrow crimson-to-carmine range on the color spectrum. Significant deviation to orange or yellow would be highly abnormal and indicative of an underlying issue preventing normal pigmentation. Maintaining a diverse landscape with native flowering plants and trees can help provide essential food sources and habitat for Ruby-throats and other migratory hummingbirds. Appreciating their beauty in nature is the best way to encounter these energetic pollinators.
