The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small, vibrant bird found in North America. Males are known for their iridescent red throats, while females have greenish plumage. These hummingbirds are incredible fliers, capable of hovering and rapid, agile movements. They primarily feed on nectar, using their long, specialized bills to reach deep into flowers for sustenance.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Physical Characteristics
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widely recognized species of hummingbird in North America. Known for its vibrant coloration and acrobatic flight, this small bird is a marvel of nature. Below are the key physical characteristics that define this species:
1. Size
Length: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny bird, measuring around 3 to 3.5 inches (7.6 to 9 cm) in length.
Weight: It is incredibly light, typically weighing between 2.4 to 4 grams. Its size allows it to hover in place, a key feature of its behavior.
2. Plumage
Iridescent Throat: The most striking feature of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the bright ruby-red gorget (throat patch) found in males. The iridescent feathers shine with vibrant hues of red and orange depending on the angle of the light. Females have a less intense, but still noticeable, reddish throat.
Back and Crown: The back of the bird is a shiny emerald green, while the crown of the head often appears dark, ranging from black to a deep iridescent green, especially under certain lighting.
Underparts: The underbelly is generally white, providing a contrast to the vibrant greens and reds seen on the back and throat.
Tail Feathers: The tail feathers are forked, with a greenish or blackish hue. These feathers help the hummingbird maneuver efficiently in the air.
3. Beak
Shape: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a long, straight, and slender bill which is ideal for feeding on nectar. The bill is usually around the same length as the bird’s body.
Tongue: The tongue of this bird is specialized for nectar feeding. It is long, extendable, and has a forked tip, allowing the bird to quickly lap up nectar from flowers or feeders.
4. Wings
Shape and Size: The wings are long and narrow, contributing to its incredible ability to hover in place. Hummingbirds have a unique wing structure that enables them to rotate their wings in a circular motion, allowing for hovering, forward, and backward flight.
Color: The wings are often dark, either black or dark brown, and may have an iridescent sheen depending on the lighting.
5. Eyes
Size: The eyes of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird are large in proportion to its head. This enhances its ability to track fast-moving objects, including insects or approaching predators.
Color: The eyes are dark black, giving them an intense, focused look.
6. Flight Abilities
Hovering: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird can hover in place by rapidly flapping its wings in a figure-eight pattern. This allows the bird to feed from flowers and feeders while staying stationary in the air.
Speed: It can fly at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) in direct flight, and in a dive, it can reach speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Migration
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are neotropical migrants, meaning they breed in North America and spend the winter months in Central America, Mexico, or even parts of southern Florida. They are known for their long, non-stop migratory flight across the Gulf of Mexico, which is a remarkable feat considering their small size and high metabolism.
Migration Timing
Spring Migration: These hummingbirds typically migrate from their southern wintering grounds back to their breeding grounds in North America during the spring, usually from March to May. Many of these birds will arrive in the southern U.S. first, with some traveling as far north as Canada to breed.
Fall Migration: In the fall, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, usually starting in late August to early October. The migration south is not as synchronized as the northward one, but by mid-November, most of the population will have reached their wintering locations.
Route and Distance
Across the Gulf of Mexico: One of the most impressive aspects of their migration is their non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a journey that can span up to 500 miles (800 kilometers). This flight can take anywhere from 18 to 22 hours, depending on wind conditions and the bird’s individual energy levels.
Wintering Grounds: Once they reach Central America or parts of Mexico, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically seek areas with abundant nectar sources, such as flowering plants and trees, to sustain them through the winter months.
Migration Patterns
Navigational Abilities: Despite being tiny (only about 3 inches long), Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are exceptional navigators. They use a combination of instinctual cues and environmental factors, like the position of the sun and landmarks, to guide them on their migratory route. Additionally, some research suggests that they may use the Earth’s magnetic field to aid in navigation.
Feeding During Migration: During migration, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds need to refuel frequently to support their intense energy demands. They often stop at gardens, flowering plants, and nectar feeders along the way to recharge.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Diet and Feeding Habits
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a fascinating bird, not only because of its vibrant plumage but also due to its unique diet and feeding habits. These tiny creatures rely on a specific set of food sources to meet their energy needs, which is essential given their high metabolic rate and rapid wing movement.
Primary Diet: Nectar
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s primary source of energy comes from nectar, which provides them with the sugar needed for quick bursts of flight and metabolic energy. They are particularly attracted to tubular flowers, such as:
- Trumpet Creeper
- Bee Balm
- Fuchsia
- Lobelia
These flowers are rich in nectar and often feature bright, vivid colors, especially red, which appeals to the bird’s keen sense of vision.
The bird feeds by inserting its specialized long, slender bill into the flower, using its tongue (which can extend up to twice the length of the bill) to lap up the nectar. The feeding process is incredibly fast—hummingbirds can consume up to double their body weight in nectar daily. To support their intense energy demands, they can visit hundreds of flowers in a single day.
Supplementary Diet: Insects and Spiders
Although nectar is their primary food, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds also rely on protein-rich insects and spiders. These are vital for muscle development and other bodily functions. Insects provide:
- Amino acids
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Some of the insects they feed on include fruit flies, gnats, small ants, and spiders, which they capture while flying or perched. Insects are often found near flower blossoms or in trees, where they hover to catch their prey.
Feeding Habits and Behavior
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are known for their aggressive feeding behavior. They will aggressively defend their feeding territories, particularly if they have access to a particularly rich source of nectar. These birds are fiercely territorial and will chase off other birds that approach their flowers or feeders.
Feeding in Flights: They can hover while feeding, a skill that allows them to stay stationary in front of a flower or feeder. This is made possible by their unique ball-and-socket joint at the shoulder, allowing them to rotate their wings in a full circle.
Multiple Feedings: A Ruby-throated Hummingbird typically feeds every 10 to 15 minutes, especially during the daytime when the nectar supply is high. They also feed frequently in the early morning and late evening hours.
High Metabolic Rate: Because of their incredibly high metabolism, hummingbirds require constant feeding. A Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s heart rate can reach 1,200 beats per minute when active, which is one reason why they need to consume so much food.
Feeding in the Wild vs. Artificial Feeders
In the wild, these birds rely on the natural availability of nectar-producing plants and insects. However, when natural food sources are scarce, especially during migration, they often seek out artificial sugar water feeders. When filling a hummingbird feeder, it’s important to avoid using artificial sweeteners or honey, as they can be harmful to the birds. A simple mixture of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water simulates the nectar they naturally consume.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Female vs Male
The male and female ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are quite distinct in their appearance, especially in their vibrant plumage.
Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird:
Coloration: The male is known for its striking iridescent ruby-red throat (gorget), which is its most prominent feature. This red color is most vivid when the bird is in the right light.
Size: Males are generally smaller than females, with an average length of about 3 inches (7.5 cm).
Feathers: The rest of the male’s body is a greenish or bronze back and a grayish-white underbelly.
Behavior: Males tend to be more aggressive and territorial, often engaging in aerial displays and chases to defend their feeding areas.
Female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird:
Coloration: Females do not have the brilliant red throat. Their throats are either white or slightly speckled with dark spots, and their overall coloration is a more muted green and gray.
Size: Females are slightly larger than males, typically around 3.5 inches (9 cm) in length.
Feathers: Similar to the males, the females also have a greenish back with a white belly, but they lack the iridescent throat.
Behavior: Females are less aggressive than males and spend more time foraging, often focusing on feeding and nest-building, especially when caring for young.
The most obvious way to tell them apart is by the male’s vivid ruby-red throat and their slightly different sizes, with males being smaller.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Photos
10 Interesting Facts About Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Here are 10 interesting facts about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds:
1. Solitary Nature: Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are solitary and only come together with females for courtship and mating. After mating, males leave and do not participate in parental care.
2. Color Preferences: These hummingbirds prefer red or orange flowers due to their high sugar content, but they do not require colored sugar water in feeders. They have excellent color vision, including ultraviolet spectrum visibility.
3. Long-Distance Migration: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate over 3,000 kilometers from eastern North America to Central America each year, crossing the Gulf of Mexico in a single flight.
4. Feather Record: They have the fewest feathers of any bird species, with about 940 feathers that are replaced annually.
5. Limited Mobility: Due to their extremely short legs, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds cannot walk or hop; they can only shuffle along a surface they are perched on.
6. Adaptive Nesting: While they typically nest on tree branches, they have adapted to use human-made structures like chain loops and extension cords for nesting due to increased human habitation.
7. Unique Flight: The humming sound comes from their rapid wingbeats, which can reach up to 53 beats per second. They can hover, fly straight, up, down, and even backwards.
8. Pollination Role: Like bees, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds act as pollinators as they feed on nectar from flowers.
9. High Metabolism: These birds eat frequently, consuming nectar and insects every 10 minutes. They can drink up to twice their body weight in nectar daily.
10. Survival Challenges: Only about 20% of fledgling Ruby-throated Hummingbirds survive their first year. They are vulnerable to predators like Bull Frogs and large spiders.
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