Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny, energetic bird that seems almost magical as it hovers beside a flower. Its wings move so rapidly that they create the familiar humming sound that gives hummingbirds their name.

Adult males are especially easy to recognize because of the brilliant ruby-red patch on their throat, called a gorget. Depending on the light, the throat may appear bright red, orange-red, or even dark. Females do not have the ruby throat. Both males and females have beautiful iridescent green feathers on their backs.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the hummingbirds most commonly seen in the eastern United States. You can also see them in Florida, especially during migration, although some may remain in parts of the state during winter.

Habitat -

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found around woodland edges, open forests, gardens, parks, meadows, and yards where flowering plants provide plenty of nectar.

They are especially attracted to gardens containing tubular flowers. Trees and shrubs are also important because they provide places to perch, rest, hide from predators, and build nests.

Diet -

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds drink nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders. Nectar provides the quick energy they need for their extremely active lifestyle.

But hummingbirds do not live on nectar alone. They also eat tiny insects and spiders, which provide protein and other nutrients.

If you put out a hummingbird feeder, you can make nectar using 1 part plain white sugar to 4 parts water. Do not add red dye, honey, or artificial sweeteners. Feeders should be kept clean and the nectar changed regularly.

Lifespan -

Life can be challenging for such a tiny bird, especially during its first year. However, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that survive the dangers of their early life may live for several years. Some banded individuals have been recorded living 9 years or more.

Special Behavior and Habits -

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are amazing fliers. They can hover almost motionless in front of a flower, fly forward and backward, and quickly change direction.

Their wings may beat around 50 times per second during normal flight, creating the humming sound for which they are named.

Despite their tiny size, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are also remarkable travelers. Many migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering areas. Some make an extraordinary nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico during migration.

Hummingbirds can be surprisingly territorial. One bird may chase another hummingbird away from a favorite flower patch or feeder.

The female builds a tiny cup-shaped nest, often on a slender tree branch. She uses soft plant material and spider silk to hold it together and often covers the outside with bits of lichen for camouflage. She usually lays two tiny white eggs.

A Tiny Bird With an Amazing Life -

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird may be small, but it is one of nature's most remarkable birds. Its shimmering feathers, incredible flying abilities, long migrations, and important role as a pollinator make it a wonderful visitor to watch in the garden.