There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds in the world, but only one species breeds exclusively in eastern North America: the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common and widely distributed hummingbird species found east of the Mississippi River. During the summer breeding season, ruby-throated hummingbirds are found across eastern North America, ranging from southern Canada south to Florida and west to Texas, Oklahoma and southern Wisconsin. Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate south to Mexico and parts of Central America for the winter. Read on to learn more about the unique breeding habits and distribution of the ruby-throated hummingbird in eastern North America.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Distribution
The ruby-throated hummingbird has the widest breeding distribution of any hummingbird in eastern North America. Here is a more detailed look at their breeding and migration range:
Breeding Range:
– Canada: Southern Ontario, southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia
– United States: From the Atlantic coast to the Great Plains, north to Wisconsin and south to Florida
– States along the Gulf Coast: Eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana
Migration Range:
– Winters along the Gulf Coast, Mexico, Central America
– Migration route includes the entire eastern United States
So during the summer months between May and August, ruby-throated hummingbirds can be found across the eastern half of North America as far north as southern Canada. They migrate south to their wintering grounds in the fall, traveling through Texas and Mexico into Central America. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird species found across most of this range.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Breeding Habits
The ruby-throated hummingbird exhibits a few unique breeding behaviors that help it thrive in eastern North America:
- Nesting – Female ruby-throats build a small, cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider webs and lichens. The nests are usually located on the branches of deciduous trees.
- Solitary Nesting – Unlike other hummingbirds, ruby-throats nest individually. Each female builds a nest, lays eggs and raises the young on her own without the assistance of a male.
- Migration for Winter – Ruby-throats migrate south in the fall to warmer climates in Mexico and Central America where food is more plentiful in the winter.
- Aggressive Males – Males establish breeding territories in the spring and aggressively defend their territory from other males with elaborate flying displays.
- Flower Specialization – Ruby-throats utilize flower nectar along their migration route and have adapted to the spring blooms and flowering seasons across eastern North America.
These behaviors enable the ruby-throated hummingbird to breed across a wide range of habitats in eastern North America and thrive as the only breeding hummingbird species over much of this area.
Comparison to Other North American Hummingbirds
The two other common hummingbird species that breed in North America are Anna’s hummingbird and Costa’s hummingbird. Here is how the ruby-throated hummingbird range and habits compare:
| Species | Breeding Range | Migration | Nesting Habits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated hummingbird | Eastern North America | Long migration to Central America | Solitary nesting |
| Anna’s hummingbird | Pacific Coast and Southwest | Short migration or year-round in range | Some solitary nesting, some loose colonies |
| Costa’s hummingbird | Southwest United States and Mexico | Short migration or year-round in range | Loose colonies |
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species adapted to breed across eastern North America. The other common hummingbirds breed in the southwest United States and Mexico and have much shorter migration patterns.
Threats and Conservation
Although ruby-throated hummingbirds remain widespread across eastern North America, they do face a few conservation threats:
- Habitat loss from development and agriculture
- Climate change impacting flowering schedules and migration patterns
- Increased urbanization and collision threats from buildings
- Competition for food from non-native plants and introduced bee species
Here are some ways we can help protect ruby-throated hummingbird populations:
- Protect remaining areas of native habitat and restore native wildflower gardens
- Avoid pesticides that reduce insect populations needed for food
- Install screens on windows to prevent collisions
- Provide nectar feeders, especially during migration
- Report sightings and participate in citizen science monitoring
With some diligent conservation practices, the ruby-throated hummingbird can continue thriving as the iconic eastern North American breeding hummingbird species.
Conclusion
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a unique species that has adapted to breed exclusively across eastern North America. This feat is accomplished through behaviors like solitary nesting, extensive migration to Central America, and defending feeding territories from other ruby-throated males. Conservation efforts can help maintain native habitat and food sources to ensure the ruby-throated hummingbird continues to brighten eastern backyards each summer.
