Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in nature. Known for their rapid wing beats, ability to hover mid-air, and long slender bills adapted for accessing nectar, hummingbirds captivate bird enthusiasts. Around 350 different species exist, but only a handful occur commonly across North America.
Of these, one particular species stands out for its vibrant red ring of feathers circling the neck – the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). As the only regularly occurring hummingbird in Eastern North America, the ruby-throated hummingbird is a familiar sight in backyards and gardens during warmer months.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Identification
Several key features help identify male ruby-throated hummingbirds:
- Bright metallic green upperparts
- Grayish white underparts
- Forked tail
- Red throat patch (gorget) bordered below by narrow white band
The red gorget is key for distinguishing males. In optimal lighting, it can appear brilliant ruby red or a duller orange-red. This throat patch is iridescent, meaning it flashes depending on viewing angle.
Females lack the red gorget and are overall greener on the underparts than males. Immature males resemble adult females until obtaining their red gorget around one year old.
Range and Habitat
The ruby-throated hummingbird has the largest breeding range of any North American hummingbird. Its breeding grounds extend across the eastern United States up into southern Canada. In winter, most ruby-throats migrate to Mexico and Central America, although increasing numbers spend winters along the Gulf Coast.
Preferred summer habitats include open areas such as meadows and backyards, as well as forest edges and parks. Ruby-throats readily visit nectar feeders and flowering plants in urban and suburban neighborhoods.
On their wintering grounds, ruby-throats favor tropical forests, second-growth scrub, and plantations. Some birds may wander west during migration as far as California.
Food and Feeding
Ruby-throated hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from nectar. Their long, slender beaks and forked tongues are adapted for reaching into flowers and lapping up the sweet nectar inside. Favorite natural nectar sources include columbine, bee balm, and trumpet vine.
These energetic birds have high metabolisms and consume up to half their weight in nectar each day. They visit hundreds of flowers daily, licking the nectar with their bifurcated tongues at a lapping rate of 13-17 times per second.
To meet their nutritional needs, ruby-throats supplement their diet with small insects including spiders, gnats, fruit flies, and aphids. They often hawk flying insects in midair.
At feeders, they prefer nectar concentrations of 20-25% sugar mixed with water. They readily feed on artificial nectars, although these lack the nutrients provided by natural nectars. Keeping feeders clean to prevent mold and bacteria is important.
Courtship and Nesting
One of the earliest spring migrants, males usually arrive at the breeding grounds first and establish territories. In courtship displays, males perform dramatic aerial displays, flying in loops up to 100 feet in the air while making a buzzing sound.
Once paired, females build a compact cup nest out of plant down, buds, and spider silk. Nest sites include high tree branches, often over water. Lichen on the outside helps camouflage the nest.
Tiny eggs hatch in about two weeks. Chicks fledge in another three weeks, an exceptionally short time compared to other birds. This rapid cycle allows ruby-throats to produce multiple broods in one season.
Migration
As summer ends, ruby-throats begin migrating south. They travel mainly at night, using bright stars near the celestial equator as a compass. Their tiny bodies require huge fat reserves to sustain these non-stop journeys of hundreds of miles over the Gulf of Mexico.
Incredibly, some ruby-throats migrate over 2,000 miles between their breeding and wintering grounds each way. They winter in areas offering warm temperatures and abundant flowers and nectar-rich plants.
Arriving at their winter sites depleted from migration, establishing feeding territories is urgent. Most birds aim for coastal and lowland areas richer in flowers and arthropod prey. As spring approaches, they retrace their migration route back north.
Interesting Facts
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds can beat their wings more than 50 times per second and fly over 30 mph.
- They have the smallest bird nests in North America, only about 1.5 inches wide.
- A hallmark adaptation is tailored feather shafts that maximize lift while minimizing drag.
- Their heart rate can reach over 1,200 beats per minute during flight.
- They consume up to eight times their weight in nectar each day.
- Males perform elaborate dive displays during courtship, reaching speeds of over 60 mph.
- They are feisty birds, fiercely defending flowers and feeders in their territories.
Species Comparison
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only regularly occurring hummingbird over most of eastern North America. In the southwest U.S., other brightly colored species may visit yards and gardens.
Here is a table comparing some features of ruby-throated hummingbirds and three other common backyard hummingbirds:
| Species | Range | Size | Identification | Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Eastern U.S. and southern Canada | 3-4 in | Metallic green above, gray-white below with ruby red gorget on males | Solitary, aggressive at feeders |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | West coast, Pacific Northwest | 3-4 in | Green above, gray below with rose red gorget on males | Resident year-round, territorial |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Pacific Northwest | 3-3.5 in | Olive green above, rusty orange below on males | Feisty, chases other hummers |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Western North America | 2.75-3.5 in | Green above, white below with magenta throat on males | Timid, less aggressive |
This comparison highlights some of the key differences between these four common western and eastern hummingbird species found in North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do ruby-throated hummingbirds have a red throat?
Male ruby-throated hummingbirds have vibrant red throats, called a gorget, to attract females. The highly reflective, iridescent gorget signals fitness and health when catching the light. Females lack a gorget.
What plants attract ruby-throated hummingbirds?
Some native plants that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds include bee balm, cardinal flower, trumpet creeper, columbine, petunias, and nasturtiums. They also readily feed on artificial nectar from hummingbird feeders.
How long do ruby-throated hummingbirds live?
The average lifespan of a ruby-throated hummingbird in the wild is 3-5 years. The oldest known wild ruby-throat was at least 9 years old based on banding records. With ideal care in captivity, they may live 12 years.
Why are ruby-throated hummingbirds important pollinators?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds play a key role as pollinators for many flowering plants. As they feed on nectar, pollen sticks to their heads and bills, getting transported flower to flower. Their preference for red-tubed flowers makes them important pollinators of these species.
How can I attract ruby-throated hummingbirds?
To attract ruby-throats to your yard, offer nectar feeders with a 20% sugar water solution. Ensure fresh nectar by changing every 2-3 days. Plant native flowers and hummingbird gardening favorites like bee balm, fuchsia, and trumpet vine. Avoid pesticides.
Conclusion
With their glittering red gorgets and aerial agility, ruby-throated hummingbirds are truly remarkable birds. Their incredible migrations and ability to power hovering flight separate them from all other birds. Providing nectar plants and feeders is a great way to observe ruby-throated hummingbirds up close through spring and summer before they migrate south each fall.
