What hummingbird has a green back and purple throat?

Hummingbirds are known for their incredibly bright, iridescent plumage that flashes in the sunlight. With over 300 different species, hummingbirds come in a stunning array of colors. So which hummingbird species has the distinctive green back and purple throat?

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the hummingbird species with a green back and purple throat. The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the most widespread and common hummingbird species in North America.

Here are some key facts about the ruby-throated hummingbird:

• Males have a brilliant gorget (throat patch) that appears black in some lights but shimmers ruby red or purple in bright sunlight.
• Females lack the ruby gorget and are pale below with white tips on the outer tail feathers.
• Males have an iridescent green back and crown.
• Females have green upperparts too, but their green coloring is duller than the males.
• Length is 2.8-3.5 inches.
• Wingspan is 3.1-4.3 inches.
• Weight is 2-6 grams.
• Lifespan is 3-5 years.
• Breeds in forests across eastern North America. Winters in Central America.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird species found east of the Mississippi River. Its range covers the entire eastern United States and stretches north into southeastern Canada. It is a summer breeding resident throughout its range.

Identification

Identifying a ruby-throated hummingbird is straight forward thanks to the males’ distinct plumage. The metallic red-purple gorget is unmistakable and unlike any other hummingbird in North America. Females and immatures are a little trickier to identify, but they can be readily separated from other species by their medium size, pale below with some streaking on the throat, green back, and white-tipped outer tail feathers.

Here are some tips for identifying ruby-throated hummingbirds:

• Look for the male’s signature red-purple throat patch which may appear black in certain lighting.
• Note the solid green crown and back on both sexes.
• Check for pale underparts streaked with green on females and immatures.
• See if the outer tail feathers have white tips.
• Listen for high-pitched buzzy chips and whistles.
• Observe the medium size, about 3 to 4 inches long.

The ruby-throat is most likely to be confused with female or immature Anna’s, black-chinned, or Costa’s hummingbirds in the southwest U.S. where their ranges overlap. The Rufous hummingbird has some green on the back but is much rustier below with a bright orange gorget.

Behavior

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are solitary and territorial. Males establish breeding territories and may defend favored nectar sources against intruders with fast chases and aggressive displays. Despite their small size, male ruby-throats are intensely competitive and will try driving off much larger birds that encroach on their space.

Ruby-throats probe flowers with their slender bills and long tubular tongues to lap up nectar. They also capture protein-rich insects on the wing by sallying out from perches. A versatile hover allows them to precisely adjust position while feeding on flower or catching insects.

Most ruby-throats migrate south in the fall, though some overwinter along the Gulf Coast where they visit feeders or fall-blooming flowers. Males depart the breeding grounds in July, followed by females and immatures. The northward spring migration starts in February and peaks in May.

Habitat

During the breeding season, ruby-throated hummingbirds are found in a variety of semi-open habitats with sufficient flowers or feeders such as yards, parks, gardens, meadows, and woodland edges. They favor sites with mature trees for nesting. On migration and wintering grounds, they primarily inhabit forests, woodlands, shade plantations, and scrub where native flowers and feeders provide food.

Nesting

Ruby-throated hummingbird nests are tiny, soft cups built on horizontal branches well away from the trunk. The outer part of the nest is constructed from plant down wrapped together with spider silk. The inner cup lining is made from fine plant fibers. Lichens and moss camouflage the nest against the branch.

Nest building and incubation are done entirely by the female. Nest sites are typically 10 to 20 feet up in deciduous and mixed woodlands. The nest may be reused for a second brood in the same breeding season.

Typical clutch size is two small white eggs. Incubation lasts 12 to 14 days. The female cares for the hatchlings, feeding the nestlings regurgitated nectar and insects. Nestlings fledge in 16 to 18 days, gaining independence a few weeks later.

Diet

Like all hummingbirds, ruby-throated hummingbirds have specialized diets consisting of nectar and small insects. Their rapid metabolism requires frequent feeding.

Nectar from tubular flowers provides an energy-rich food source. Favored flower types include columbines, trumpet creeper, jewelweed, cardinal flower, and various mints, vines, and sage species. Ruby-throats are strongly attracted to the color red and cue in to the nectar guides on flowers.

Small invertebrates including spiders, fruit flies, aphids, thrips, midges, and mosquitos provide essential proteins. The hummingbird feeds on insects by hawking–catching them in flight–as well as gleaning them from leaves and branches.

At feeders, ruby-throats prefer sucrose-rich sugar water solutions which closely match natural flower nectar. Feeders should be kept clean and only be filled with refined white sugar or mixes made for hummingbirds.

Range and Population

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are found across eastern North America. Their breeding range extends from southeastern Canada south to the Gulf Coast, and from the Atlantic coast west to the Great Plains. Population densities are higher along the Atlantic seaboard.

They winter primarily in Central America from southern Mexico to Panama, though some overwinter in the southernmost U.S. states. Most wintering occurs in Mexico and Guatemala.

Sources: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon

Ruby-throated hummingbird populations declined by an estimated 33% between 1966 and 2015, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Habitat loss on the wintering grounds in Central America likely contributes significantly to the decline. Providing food via flowers and feeders can help support and stabilize populations.

Conservation Status

The ruby-throated hummingbird has a large range and high total population, but has suffered long-term declines. The species is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act but is not considered globally threatened.

Conservation groups have classified the ruby-throated hummingbird with the following statuses:

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Audubon Status: Climate threatened

Major threats to ruby-throated hummingbird populations include:

• Habitat loss, especially on Central American wintering grounds
• Climate change impacts
• Pollution and pesticide use
• Disease
• Collisions with buildings during migration

Sustaining breeding habitat and expanding pesticide-free corridors across the Gulf of Mexico could benefit ruby-throated hummingbird conservation. Conserving wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America is also critical to maintaining populations.

Fun Facts

• Ruby-throats have the largest breeding range of any North American hummingbird.
• Their wings beat up to 53 times per second.
• They are the only hummingbird species found east of the Mississippi River.
• Males perform aerial dive displays during courtship.
• They can lick nectar up to 13 times per second.
• Many migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, a 500 mile, nonstop flight.
• They build a new nest each year, usually on the same territory.
• Males leave the breeding grounds before females and immatures.
• They prefer red tubular flowers and red feeders like cardinal flowers or hummingbird feeders.

Conclusion

The ruby-throated hummingbird’s dazzling plumage makes it one of the most stunning and easily identified of all hummers. Look and listen for these feisty dynamos in backyards, gardens, and parks across the eastern U.S. and Canada in summer. By providing nectar feeders and native flowers, we can support these iconic pollinators and the joy of seeing them flash their ruby-red throats.