Hummingbirds are known for their bright, iridescent plumage that shimmers in the sunlight. While many species have feathers in shades of green, blue, or grey, some have brightly colored feathers on their throats or crowns. One hummingbird species in particular is easily recognized by the flash of red on its neck – the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widespread hummingbird species in eastern North America. As their name suggests, ruby-throated hummingbirds have brilliant red feathers covering their throat. When the light hits these feathers just right, they glow like a ruby. This is the male’s most distinctive feature.
Females of the species lack the red throat patch. They are mostly green and white in color. When perched, the female ruby-throat may be mistaken for a different species at first glance. However, in flight the white-tipped tail feathers confirm her identity.
Range
Ruby-throated hummingbirds breed across the eastern United States and Canada during the summer months. Their breeding range extends from Nova Scotia down to Florida, and west to the Great Lakes and parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas.
As migratory birds, ruby-throats spend the winter in Central America or southern Mexico. However, some individuals may overwinter in the southernmost parts of the U.S. along the Gulf Coast if they have access to enough food sources.
Habitat
During the breeding season, ruby-throated hummingbirds are found in a variety of semi-open habitats with flowering plants. This includes meadows, forest edges, parks, backyards and gardens. They tend to prefer more open, rural settings but will thrive in urban and suburban areas as well if there are enough nectar sources available.
In migration and wintering grounds, ruby-throats inhabit tropical forests, second growth woodlands, plantations, and gardens where flowers abound.
Identification
The ruby-throated hummingbird’s small size and agile flight make it seem like a flying jewel. Here are some key identification features:
- Length: 2.75-3.5 inches
- Wingspan: 3.25-4.25 inches
- Weight: 2-6 grams
- Sexual dimorphism – Only adult males have the namesake red throat patch
- Green back and crown
- White breast
- Forked black tail with white tips on the outer feathers
- Straight black bill
- High-pitched chipping vocalizations
Females lack the red throat and have white markings on the tips of their tail feathers. Juveniles resemble adult females but with buffy edges to some feathers.
In flight, the ruby-throat’s small size, wingbeat frequency, and aggressive territorial behavior help distinguish it from similar hummingbird species. Characteristics like bill shape, tail pattern, and gorget color help differentiate the ruby-throat perched.
Behavior
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are solitary and territorial. Males will aggressively defend feeding areas from intruders, even diving at much larger birds, insects, or mammals that venture too close. Their flight displays and aerial battles are incredible to watch.
Males arrive at breeding grounds first and establish territories before the females arrive. They will mate with multiple females throughout the season. Females alone build the nest, incubate the eggs, and care for the chicks.
To conserve energy, ruby-throats go into torpor at night and on cold days by lowering their body temperature and metabolic rate. They prefer flowers with tubular shapes which match their specialized bill and tongue.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, ruby-throats feed on flower nectar and small insects and spiders. They use their extensible tongue to lap up nectar at an average of 13 licks per second!
Some favorite nectar sources include:
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Salvia
- Petunias
- Honeysuckle
- Columbine
- Trumpet vine
- Butterfly bush
Ruby-throats are attracted to tubular flowers in shades of red and purple, which they can see the best. They get insects and spiders by hawking them from leaves and branches.
Other Hummingbirds with Red
While the ruby-throated is the most widespread, other hummingbird species in North America also have red plumage accents. Here are a few examples:
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small hummingbird with rusty red feathers on its back, rump, and flanks. The male has an iridescent reddish-orange throat patch while the female has greenish sides and white tips on the tail feathers.
Anna’s Hummingbird
The male Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) has a striking magenta crown and throat. Depending on the angle, the head may appear red or purple. Females have green crowns and grey underparts.
Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbird (Calypte costae) is native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Males have a violet-purple crown and throat while females are duller with gray underparts and pale throat feathers, some tipped with violet-red.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Breeding male Allen’s hummingbirds (Selasphorus sasin) have an orange throat, rufous back, and green crown. Females have green backs, grey underparts, and rufous tail feathers tipped in white.
Conclusion
With its bright red gorget, the ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the most dazzling hummingbirds in eastern North America. This petite bird can be identified by its small size, light chipping vocalizations, swift flight, and of course, its signature red throat on the breeding male.
While the ruby-throated hummingbird is the best known red-necked hummingbird in its range, several other western species also have distinctive red or orange feathers on the gorget or crown. The remarkable hummingbirds provide a sparkling pop of color in yards and gardens when they visit flowers to feed.
