In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to provide quick answers to the key questions posed in the title. The green hummingbirds found in Maryland are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris). The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. The males have a bright red throat and are green on the back and crown. Females lack the red throat patch and are green on the back with a white underside.
Range and Habitat
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breed across much of the eastern United States and southern Canada during the summer months. Their breeding range extends from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to the Great Plains. During winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America. In Maryland, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in April and begin breeding. They normally depart Maryland by October to migrate south.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are found in a variety of wooded habitats during breeding, including yards and parks, especially those with flowers or feeders. They prefer open areas with an abundance of nectar-producing flowers such as meadows, forest edges, and gardens. They build their tiny nests on downward-hanging tree limbs, often over water.
Identification
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is very small, measuring only 3-4 inches in length and 2-6 grams in weight. The long bill, short legs, and tiny feet are adapted for feeding on flower nectar. The males are unmistakable with their metallic green back and crown and bright iridescent red throat. Females lack the red throat and are more difficult to distinguish. The female Ruby-throat has a medium-length straight bill and white tips on the outer tail feathers. In poor lighting when the reddish-purple throat isn’t discernable, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds could potentially be confused with Rufous Hummingbirds. However, the Rufous occurs only rarely in Maryland during migration.
Distinguishing Features
- Males have an iridescent red throat
- Females have a white underside and white-tipped outer tail feathers
- Very small in size (3-4 in length)
- Straight medium-length bill
- High-pitched buzzing wings
- Can hover in place by rapidly beating wings
Behavior
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from tubular flowers such as trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, impatiens, and bee balm. They use their long tongue to lap up nectar while hovering near the flowers. Ruby-throats also catch small insects such as gnats, fruit flies, spiders, and aphids which provide essential proteins.
The flight of hummingbirds is amazing to observe. They can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, and even upside down. They are also one of the fastest birds, reaching speeds over 30 mph. Their wings beat around 50 times per second, allowing them to hover in place. The distinctive buzzing sound of their rapid wingbeats is easily recognizable.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are aggressive and territorial. Males will chase each other from feeding areas. They perform elaborate aerial courtship displays, reaching heights over 100 feet and diving at high speeds to impress females.
Nesting
Ruby-throats build a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider silk, and lichens bound with saliva. The nest is only about 1.5 inches across and usually placed on a downward hanging tree branch over water. The female lays two pea-sized white eggs and incubates them for about two weeks. She cares for the hatchlings alone, feeding them regurgitated nectar and insects. The nestlings fledge in about three weeks, after which the female may raise a second brood. Males establish breeding territories but provide no nesting care.
Conservation Status
Ruby-throated Hummingbird populations declined between 1966 and 2014, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. However, more recently populations have stabilized. The species is still very common across its breeding range. The main threats include habitat loss and predation from cats. Providing nectar feeders and gardens with tubular flowers can help support hummingbird populations. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a large range and is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so its overall conservation outlook is currently stable.
Interesting Facts
- Ruby-throats migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, making a 500+ mile non-stop crossing over 18-22 hours.
- To conserve energy at night, they go into torpor, lowering their body temperature and metabolic rate by 50-95%.
- Hummingbirds have the fastest metabolism of any animal relative to their size. Their hearts can beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
- They lick nectar with a tongue that extends past the tip of their beak. Their tongue has tubes to lap up nectar.
- Iridescent red and green feathers lack melanin pigment and get their color through refracted light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can Ruby-throated Hummingbirds be found in Maryland?
In Maryland, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found statewide during spring and summer. Look for them in open areas like meadows, parks, backyards, and gardens, especially those with tubular flowers or hummingbird feeders.
What plants attract hummingbirds in Maryland?
Some good nectar plants to attract hummingbirds in Maryland include:
- Trumpet creeper
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Impatiens
- Butterfly bush
- Hosta
- Fuchsia
- Native honeysuckles
- Coral bells
- Columbine
When do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in Maryland?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds return to Maryland in early to mid April. Males arrive first to establish breeding territories. Females follow about one to two weeks later. The timing of their arrival depends on weather conditions and can vary slightly from year to year.
What is the lifespan of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird?
The average lifespan of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird in the wild is 3-5 years. The oldest known wild Ruby-throat was 9 years old. With ideal conditions and no predation, they have the potential to live longer in captivity.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard in Maryland?
Follow these tips to make your Maryland yard attractive to hummingbirds:
- Plant lots of tubular flowers in red, orange, pink, or purple
- Set up a hummingbird feeder with a nectar solution of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water
- Place feeders and flowers in open areas away from hiding places for predators
- Avoid using pesticides which can reduce insect populations
- Put up a small mister or dripper to provide drinking and bathing water
- Choose locations where hummingbirds can nest such as overhangs and trees near water
How many broods do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically raise one or two broods per breeding season in Maryland. The female builds a nest and lays two pea-sized eggs. She incubates the eggs for about two weeks. The nestlings fledge in around three weeks. After successfully fledging a brood, the female may build another nest and lay more eggs for a second brood.
Conclusion
In summary, the green hummingbirds seen buzzing around Maryland are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The males display bright iridescent red throats while females have white undersides. Ruby-throats breed across eastern North America in a variety of wooded habitats. They migrate all the way to Mexico or Central America for the winter. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and small insects. Their rapid wingbeats allow them to hover and fly with great agility. They are solitary and aggressively territorial, especially the males. Providing nectar plants and feeders can attract these energetic hummingbirds to your Maryland yard.