New England is home to many species of hummingbirds, but two in particular stand out as the most iconic and beloved hummingbirds of the region: the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Rufous Hummingbird. While the Ruby-throated is a summer resident and the only breeding hummingbird species in New England, the Rufous passes through during spring and fall migration, delighting people with its vibrant colors. Below we’ll take a closer look at these two charismatic hummingbirds and what makes them so special in New England.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in eastern North America. As its name suggests, the adult male Ruby-throat has a brilliant metallic ruby-red throat, otherwise known as a gorget. When the light hits just right, it glows like a little fire on their throat. This is one of the easiest ways to identify the species. Ruby-throats have green backs and white undersides. Their beaks are long and slender, perfectly adapted for drinking nectar from flowers.
In New England, Ruby-throats arrive sometime between April and May to breed. The males return a bit early to scout out territories and court females. In summer months, they are found in open woodlands, gardens, meadows, and along forest edges – anywhere they can find nectar-producing flowers and small insects to eat.
Ruby-throats are fiercely territorial and males will aggressively chase away other males or even larger birds that stray too close to their preferred nectar sources. Despite their pugnacious behavior with their own kind, Ruby-throats are remarkably tolerant of humans. They buzz so close to people that we can hear the whir of their wings and they rarely flinch when someone is near their nest.
The nest is a small, soft cup of plant down and spider silk, often woven onto the downward-drooping branch of a tree. The female lays 2 tiny white eggs and incubates them for about 2 weeks before they hatch. The chicks are born helpless, with closed eyes, no feathers, and an inability to thermoregulate. The devoted female keeps the chicks warm and well-fed with a constant supply of regurgitated nectar and insects. After about 3 weeks, the young hummingbirds are fully fledged and ready to leave the nest.
By late summer, Ruby-throats abandon their breeding grounds and begin their long migration back to Central America and Mexico, where they spend the winter. Though they are abundant, Ruby-throats face threats like habitat loss, pesticides, outdoor cats, and climate change on their migratory journey and wintering grounds. As the climate changes, some Ruby-throats are arriving earlier in spring and migrating later in fall than they historically did.
Fun Facts
- Ruby-throats are the only bird that can fly backwards. They can beat their wings up to 70 times per second!
- These tiny birds have incredibly high metabolisms. To fuel their busy wings, they eat up to half their weight in nectar every day and visit hundreds of flowers.
- The species name “colubris” comes from the Latin word for snake. This is a reference to their aerial agility.
- Ruby-throat males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in loops and dive-bombing the females.
- A group of hummingbirds has many delightful names including a “glittering,” “hover,” or “tune” of hummingbirds.
The Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) breeds in the Pacific Northwest and migrates an incredible distance to wintering grounds in Mexico and the Gulf Coast. Their migratory route passes through New England, typically in late August through early October. Though they don’t breed in New England, Rufouses pass through in good numbers, thrilling birdwatchers with their vibrant plumage.
Adult males are unmistakable with reddish-orange coloring on their backs, tails, and flanks. When the light hits them just right, they glow like a burning ember. Females and juveniles have greenish backs, white bellies, and rufous-tipped tails. All Rufouses have long, slender bills and measure just 3 to 3.5 inches from bill tip to tail tip.
These energetic, pugnacious birds stop to refuel in New England backyards, meadows, and parks mid-migration. Homeowners delight in seeing them visit feeders and gardens in fall when most other hummingbirds have departed. Having a fresh nectar feeder and some late season blooms helps attract them during their migratory passage.
Rufous Humnmingbirds are feisty by nature and scrappy despite their tiny size. They often chase off other visiting hummers from prime nectar sources, even larger birds! This boldness has enabled them to expand their range farther north than most hummingbirds.
Since they migrate so far, preserving habitat along their entire range is crucial to conserving the species. Rufous populations have declined recently, prompting more conservation efforts for the species. Part of this may be due to climate change, which can desynchronize migration timing and food availability.
Fun Facts
- At just 3 inches long, Rufous Hummingbirds migrate an astonishing 3,900 miles each way from Alaska and Canada to Mexico.
- Their rapid wingbeats make a distinctive whining or ringing sound as they fly.
- Rufouses thrive in cold weather better than other hummingbirds. They have been spotted flying in snowstorms.
- To conserve energy on cold nights, they can lower their body temperature dramatically, entering a hibernation-like state called torpor.
- Their appetite for nectar and feistiness help Rufouses dominate feeders, sometimes chasing away all other hummer species.
Migration Pit Stops in New England
New England lies directly within the migratory flyway for hundreds of species of birds each year. Hummingbirds are no exception. These diminutive dynamos help brighten late summer days as they pass through while gearing up for their incredible migratory journeys.
Ruby-throats start migrating south by late August, but the bulk depart in September as nights grow cooler and food sources decline. Rufouses begin arriving in New England around mid-August, peaking in September and early October as they head south.
By providing a fall bounty of tubular flowers and fresh nectar in feeders, New Englanders help sustain migrating hummingbirds on their impressive journeys. Some key locations famous for watching migrant hummers include:
- Ashuelot Bird Sanctuary – Keene, NH
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary – Cape Cod, MA
- Bluff Point State Park – Groton, CT
- Maine Audubon Gilsland Farm Sanctuary – Falmouth, ME
In late summer and fall, devoted birdwatchers flock to these sites hoping to spot passing Rufouses and Ruby-throats fueling up among the flowers. Those lucky enough to live within the migratory flyways can also attract these stunning hummingbirds to their own backyards.
Attracting Hummers to Your Yard
Here are some tips for luring migrating hummingbirds to stop at your home garden:
- Plant tubular flowers in red, orange, and pink, like bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vines.
- Set up nectar feeders in shade with fresh pre-made solution or 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
- Place feeders near flowers and shrubs where hummers can perch and rest.
- Consider putting up a mister or dripper to provide water for bathing and drinking.
- Avoid using pesticides which can poison the birds or kill flower pollinators.
- Be sure your cat stays indoors so it doesn’t prey on visiting hummers.
- Sit quietly and observe hummers visit – avoid getting too close.
Follow these tips and you may be rewarded with a Ruby-throated or Rufous Hummingbird gracing your yard as it prepares for its epic migration south!
Conclusion
The Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds hold special places in the hearts of New Englanders. Ruby-throats brighten our summers with their buzzing wings and feisty antics. While they head south in fall, vibrant Rufouses arrive to take their place, lighting up gardens and meadows in fiery shades of red and orange. By providing nectar-rich flowers and fresh feeders, we can help sustain these tiny travelers on their incredible migratory journeys. If you’re lucky, you may spot one of these beautiful hummingbirds gracing your own backyard. So brew some sweet nectar, plant some flowers, and keep your eyes to the skies!
