Ruby-throated Hummingbird

(Archilochus colubris)

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Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Trochilidae: Archilochus colubris)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird breeding in the Eastern Deciduous Forest, occupying the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada and extending westward into the prairie states and provinces, and southward into Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Identifying Features: The small size and hovering flight will identify this species as a hummingbird. The sexes of the Ruby-throated hummingbird are dimorphic; only the male has the metallic red patch at the throat. The patch is absent in the female, but both sexes have patches of metallic green on their back and sides.

Similar Species: None in the Eastern Deciduous Forest.

Habitat: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird lives in forest, but is also found in suburban areas and in parks.

Food: Hummingbirds feed on a combination of flower nectar and small insects caught on the wing.

Behavior: Hummingbirds in general are attracted to tubular flowers and are particularly fond of the red color of hummingbird feeders. Although some other groups of birds can hover in flight, hummingbirds are the only ones who can fly backwards. Hummingbirds are constantly in flight and are rarely found pearching. The voice of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is very weak consisting of twittering squeaks.

Reproduction: The nest of the Ruby-throated hummingbird is woven of plant material held together with spider silk and covered with lichens. The nest contains 2 white eggs. The nest is usually placed like a saddle on the branch of a tree.