Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Complete Guide to Eastern North America's Most Common Hummingbird

What Is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird? Discover Its Unique Traits

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, scientifically known as Archilochus colubris, holds the distinction of being the only hummingbird species that nests in eastern North America. This remarkable bird is also the smallest avian species found in that region. Notably, males are easily identifiable by their striking ruby-red throat patches. According to the IUCN, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC), indicating a stable population.

Here are some key details about the Ruby-throated Hummingbird:

Common Name: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris
ORDER: Apodiformes
FAMILY: Trochilidae
Least Concern (LC): The population remains healthy and stable, with no immediate threats to its survival.

Photo: Brad Imhoff · Macaulay Library

How to Easily Identify the Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Males vs. Females

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the smallest bird in eastern North America, captivates bird watchers with its vibrant colors and unique features. Typically, this tiny bird measures between 3 to 4 inches in length and weighs a mere 0.07 to 0.21 ounces. Despite its diminutive size, distinguishing between male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is quite straightforward when you know what to look for.

Here are the key identification features for both males and females:

Male Identification Features:

Throat: Features a signature ruby-red patch that shines with a bright metallic glow when illuminated by direct sunlight.
Back and Head: Display a shiny, metallic green color that is truly striking.
Belly: Typically white or light gray, providing a beautiful contrast to the vibrant colors above.

Female Identification Features:

Throat: Lacks any red patch; it is usually pure white or may have very faint, light streaks.
Back: Green, although it is generally less glossy than that of the male.
Belly: Whitish, with a more subdued color pattern compared to the male.

Field Identification Tip: When lighting conditions are poor, the male’s red throat may appear black, making it essential to observe closely.

Photo: Owen Woodhouse · Macaulay Library

Photo: Beau Cotter · Macaulay Library

Ruby-throated Hummingbird's Flight Ability

Is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird the fastest wing-beater in the world?

Under normal conditions, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird's wingbeat frequency is somewhere between medium and fast compared to other hummingbirds. These birds flap their wings at about 53 times per second.

However, during a diving courtship display, a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird can reach an astonishing 200 beats per second.

Beyond High-Frequency Wingbeats: In addition to their rapid wingbeats, male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds perform other impressive aerial maneuvers. For example, they may dive from heights of up to 50 feet, then loop back up and repeat this U-shaped flight pattern. They also perform quick side-to-side flights at close range.

Hovering: Wing Evolution and the Cost of Courtship of Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Science has revealed a surprising fact: male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are actually less capable hoverers than females, even though they have similar muscle strength and metabolic rates.

Adult males have evolved shorter wings specifically for their courtship displays. This means that for the same body weight, a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has less wing area than a female, which reduces his ability to generate lift while hovering in low-density air. While this shorter-wing adaptation helps him dive faster, it comes at the cost of hovering efficiency.

Understanding Ruby-throated Hummingbird Habitat and Territory Defense

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds thrive primarily in wooded areas. However, they are also known to venture into backyards and high-rise balconies, especially when these spaces offer enticing hummingbird feeders or tubular flowers.

During the breeding season, male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds exhibit strong territorial instincts. They claim their territory and are quick to warn off other males encroaching on their space with aggressive chirps. Remarkably, they chase away any intruders or perceived threats, showing no fear even when confronted by much larger opponents.

If a challenger refuses to retreat, the male Ruby-throat will not hesitate to launch a direct attack. He uses his bill to jab and kicks with his tiny feet. If you hang a hummingbird feeder with multiple flower ports, you might witness small skirmishes breaking out nearby as they defend their territory.

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are equally bold and aggressive. They fiercely protect their food sources and are relentless in driving away any competitors that dare to approach.

Photo: Alva Steury · Macaulay Library

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Migration and Breeding Insights

What Are the Migration Routes of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird?

During the non-breeding season, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate to Central America, joining many other hummingbird species. As early spring approaches, these remarkable birds return to their breeding grounds in eastern North America.

Notably, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that breeds east of the Mississippi River. This species occupies the largest breeding range of any North American hummingbird. Interestingly, despite the challenges of their migration, Ruby-throats are solitary travelers. Older birds typically follow the same routes they have used in previous years, while younger individuals must navigate their own paths without assistance.

Males usually arrive earlier than females to claim the best territories. They reach northern states, including Illinois and New York, between mid-April and May. Under optimal conditions, this flight takes 18 to 20 hours and includes a nonstop crossing of over 500 miles across the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The fall migration period is notably longer than the spring journey. Adult birds, especially males, often begin their southward migration as early as August. In contrast, younger birds and some females may leave later, sometimes as late as mid-October. By the end of October, most individuals have departed from the continental United States.

How Do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Court?

During the breeding season, male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds establish their own territories. They attract females entering these territories through impressive flight and dive displays, showcasing their vibrant red throat Feathers. Pairs typically stay together only for courtship and mating, which lasts just a few days to a few weeks. Afterward, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds return to their largely solitary lives.

Females take on the full responsibility of raising the young. They lay one to three eggs and incubate them until they hatch, a process that takes about two weeks. Once the chicks hatch, the mother feeds them for approximately three more weeks, at which point her young are ready to fly. A female typically raises one or two broods each year.

Photo: Debbie Kosater · Macaulay Library

What Does a Ruby-throated Hummingbird Nest Look Like?

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically build their nests directly on top of a branch, rather than in a fork or crotch. Interestingly, these birds have adapted to human habitats and have been known to nest on loops of chain, wire, and extension cords.

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are exceptional nest builders. They skillfully weave plant materials and spider silk into a small, cup-shaped nest about the size of a walnut shell. To ensure stability, she presses and smooths the nest's rim using her neck and chest, then stomps and reinforces the bottom until it is firm.

Photo: Bob Reiter · Macaulay Library

A hummingbird's nest is crafted from fine grasses, plant fibers, and downy materials such as dandelion and thistle seed heads, all expertly held together with silky spider webbing. The exterior is camouflaged with lichen, providing excellent concealment. These materials also allow the nest to expand as the chicks grow.

Photo: Matt Felperin · Macaulay Library

What Do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Eat Besides Nectar?

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a fascinating omnivore, boasting a diet that is far more diverse than many people might expect. While nectar serves as their primary energy source, their incredibly high metabolism necessitates a varied mix of foods to thrive.

A hummingbird at a hummingbird feeder with a hummingbird in the

Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash

Discover the Three Main Food Sources of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Understanding the key components of their diet can help birdwatchers create a welcoming environment for these remarkable birds. Here are the three main food sources:

Nectar: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds exhibit a strong preference for red, tubular flowers. While hovering and feeding, their heads and beaks collect pollen, making them essential pollinators for many native plants. Additionally, hummingbird feeders placed in backyards serve as vital refueling stations.
Insects and Spiders: To obtain the necessary protein and fat for growth and feather replacement, these agile birds catch small insects, gnats, and spiders midair. This food source is particularly crucial for females during the nesting period, as they need to nourish their growing chicks.
Tree Sap: During spring migration, when most plants have not yet bloomed, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds demonstrate remarkable adaptability. They follow Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and steal the sweet sap that seeps from the holes these woodpeckers drill into trees. Interestingly, some observations have recorded hummingbirds nesting close to sapsucker holes, ensuring a steady and reliable food supply.

Uncover the Ruby-throated Hummingbird's Remarkable Appetite and Metabolism

These tiny birds possess one of the highest metabolic rates of any warm-blooded animal. An adult Ruby-throated Hummingbird can consume as much as two to three times its own body weight in food each day, showcasing their incredible energy needs.

In the weeks leading up to their long-distance migration, these birds enter a phase known as "fattening mode." To prepare for such a demanding journey, they double their body mass by building up fat reserves from energy-rich nectar and insects. Remarkably, they can travel up to 300 miles on a single gram of fat, taking advantage of favorable winds along the way.

How Do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds Feed During Migration?

While migrating, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly low, skimming just above the tops of trees or the surface of the water. This behavior allows them to quickly spot nectar-producing plants and stop to refuel.

Such stops may last only a few minutes—just long enough for a quick energy boost. However, if they discover a location abundant in food, they may linger for several days to fully restore their energy reserves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

What is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird?

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (scientific name: Archilochus colubris) is a fascinating bird and the only hummingbird species that breeds in eastern North America. Notably, it is also the smallest bird in that region. Males are particularly recognized for their striking ruby-red throat patches. According to the IUCN, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC), indicating that its population remains healthy and stable.

a hummingbird perches on a pine tree branch

Photo by Elisa Stone on Unsplash

How can you tell the difference between a male and a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird?

Identifying male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is quite straightforward. Males showcase a signature ruby-red throat patch, complemented by a metallic green head and back, along with a white or light gray belly. In contrast, females lack any red throat patch; their throats are typically pure white or feature faint light streaks. While their backs are green, they exhibit less shine. It's important to note that in poor lighting, a male's red throat may appear black.

How fast do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds beat their wings?

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have an impressive wingbeat rate of about 53 times per second under normal conditions. However, during a courtship dive, males can reach astonishing speeds of up to 200 beats per second. Additionally, males perform various aerial tricks, including U-shaped dive flights and quick side-to-side movements, showcasing their agility.

Is a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird a weaker hoverer than a female?

Interestingly, yes. Males have evolved shorter wings specifically for their courtship displays, which results in less wing area. Consequently, they generate less lift when hovering in low-density air. Although their muscle strength and metabolism are comparable to those of females, their hovering efficiency is actually lower.

What kind of environment does the Ruby-throated Hummingbird prefer?

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds primarily inhabit wooded areas, but they are also frequent visitors to backyards and even high-rise balconies, provided there is an abundance of nectar available from tubular flowers or feeders. During the breeding season, males become highly territorial, aggressively chasing away intruders and sometimes engaging in fights.

How do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate?

As the only hummingbird species that breeds east of the Mississippi River, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a unique migration pattern. In spring, males are the first to arrive in eastern North America, typically between mid-April and May. Their migration includes a remarkable nonstop flight of 18 to 20 hours across the Gulf of Mexico, covering more than 500 miles. In contrast, the fall migration takes longer, with adults, especially males, starting their journey south as early as August, while younger birds and some females may remain until mid-October.

What does a Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest look like?

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are responsible for building nests alone. They use a combination of plant materials and spider silk to create a small, cup-shaped nest roughly the size of a walnut shell. These nests are typically placed directly on top of a branch (not in a fork) and have also been found on chains, wires, and extension cords. The exterior is cleverly camouflaged with lichen, while the interior has some stretch, allowing the nest to expand as the chicks grow.

What do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds eat besides nectar?

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are omnivores, meaning their diet is quite diverse. In addition to nectar—especially from red tubular flowers and feeders—they catch small insects, gnats, and spiders for protein. They are also known to steal sweet sap from the holes drilled by Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, showcasing their resourcefulness.

How much do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds eat each day?

An adult Ruby-throated Hummingbird consumes an astonishing amount of food, often two to three times its own body weight daily. Before migration, they enter a "fattening mode," allowing them to double their body weight. Remarkably, with each gram of fat, they can travel up to 300 miles.

How do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed during migration?

During migration, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds adopt a strategic feeding approach. They fly low—just above the treetops or water—enabling them to quickly spot nectar-producing plants and stop to refuel. These stops may last only a few minutes; however, if they discover a location abundant in food, they may linger for several days to restore their energy.