If you’re an avid enthusiast about Hummingbirds, you must know how the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is considered a dazzling jewel among North America’s bird species.
With a remarkable combination of physical adaptations, breathtaking displays, and a unique way of life, they stand as an emblem of the boundless diversity of the natural world.
So, good news for everyone who wants to know more about these birds because I’m here to explore the fascinating world of these gem-like creatures!
In this article, you will be able to learn all about their mesmerizing plumage, astonishing flight capabilities, and the intricate behaviors that define their existence.
Without any more delay, let’s find out how Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have become a true marvel in the avian realm!
Contents
How to Identify A Ruby-throated Hummingbird?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are small and colorful birds that you can easily spot through their distinctive appearance.
- Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris
- Size: 7.6 to 8.9 cm (3.0 to 3.5 in)
- Weight: 2 to 4 g (0.07 to 0.14 oz)
- Wingspan: 10.2 to 11.4 cm (4.0 to 4.5 in)
- Status: Least Concern
Coloration: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have iridescent green feathers on their upper parts, including the back and head. Their most distinctive feature is the vibrant, iridescent ruby-red throat, which may appear black in certain lighting. The rest of their body is mostly white and gray.
Bill: The long and slender bill of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird is slightly curved, which is adapted for reaching deep into flowers to extract nectar.
Wings: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have long and pointed wings that allow them to hover and perform agile flight maneuvers.
Tail: The tail of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird is forked, consisting of two elongated, narrow feathers. These feathers have white tips and are black or dark greenish in color.
Legs and Feet: The legs of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are relatively short, and their feet are small. They are not typically visible due to the bird’s dense plumage.
Overall Shape: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a slender, elongated body, and they have a slight hunch to their posture. Their head is relatively large in proportion to their body, and their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Visual Comparison
Male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds exhibit noticeable visual differences in their plumage. You can easily separate them if you know these features.
Males are generally slightly smaller than females, having lesser weight as well. The most striking feature of the male is his vibrant ruby-red throat, which can appear black in certain lighting conditions.
Unlike the males, females do not have the brilliant ruby-red throat. Also, their upperparts are green, and they lack the iridescent, colorful plumage of the male.
The female’s coloring is more subdued and camouflaged, which helps her blend in while nesting.
Behavioral Comparison Between Male and Female
Male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds exhibit different behaviors as well. Let’s check a behavioral comparison between the two.
- Territorial Aggression: Males are highly territorial and defend nesting territories vigorously. They engage in aerial displays and chases to establish dominance over their chosen areas.
- Courtship Displays: During the breeding season, males perform intricate aerial displays and dive maneuvers to attract females. These displays include hovering in front of females while making high-pitched calls.
- Singing: Males sometimes produce soft, high-pitched songs, which are a part of their courtship behavior. These songs are often associated with their displays.
- Nesting: Females are responsible for building nests, incubating eggs, and raising young. They construct small, cup-shaped nests using materials like plant fibers, spider silk, and lichens.
- Feeding: While they may still defend feeding territories, their primary focus during the breeding season is on nesting and raising their young. They rely on the males to provide food for the developing chicks.
Comparison At A Glance
Now let’s check out this simple comparison chart between male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to look at all the information in one glance.
| Category | Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird |
| Throat Patch Color | Ruby-red | Muted or white |
| Upperparts | Iridescent green | Mottled green |
| Size | Slightly smaller | Slightly larger |
| Behavior in Courtship | Elaborate aerial displays | More selective in choosing mates |
| Vocalization | Diverse and often louder | Softer and less elaborate |
| Territory Defense | More aggressive and territorial | Less aggressive |
| Weight | Slightly lighter | Slightly heavier |
Range And Habitat
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds’ breeding range includes the eastern and central United States. Parts of the Atlantic seaboard, including the eastern United States and southeastern Canada are suitable for these birds as well. Their migration route typically takes them across the Gulf of Mexico, which is a long and arduous journey for such a small bird.
They are adaptable birds that are found in a variety of habitats during different phases of their annual cycle. Take a look at some of the habitats where you can see them.
- Deciduous and mixed woodlands
- Forest edges
- Gardens and backyards
- Meadows and open fields
- Ponds, marshes, and bogs
- Riparian Zones
- Urban and Suburban Parks
Diet
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have specific dietary preferences, and their diet mostly consists of the things that I’ve listed.
- Nectar: Nectar is the primary food source for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. They are especially attracted to tubular or funnel-shaped flowers that are brightly colored, particularly in shades of red, orange, and pink. Some common flowers they feed on include trumpet vine, bee balm, salvia, and various species of honeysuckle.
- Insects: While nectar forms the main part of their diet, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds also consume insects and spiders to meet their protein and micronutrient needs. They catch insects in flight or pluck them from leaves and spider webs. Common prey items include small flying insects like gnats, mosquitoes, and fruit flies.
- Sap: In some cases, especially during times when nectar sources are scarce, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds drink tree sap by making small holes in tree bark to access the sap.
- Fruit Juice: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds occasionally feed on fruit juices exuding from fruits that are overripe or damaged.
Vocalization
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds’ vocalizations consist of a series of high-pitched and often rapid calls. Let’s hear some of the common ones.
- Chirping Calls: These calls are made throughout the day and are often described as chirping or chattering sounds. They are used in various social interactions, including during territorial disputes and courtship.
- Buzzing Sounds: During their rapid and agile flight, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can produce buzzing sounds with their wingbeats. These sounds are not vocalizations but are part of their flight sounds, which are particularly noticeable when they hover near flowers.
- High-Pitched Peeps: When disturbed or threatened, they emit high-pitched peeping sounds as an alarm call.
Breeding
Breeding among Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is an interesting and intricate process. Let’s read an overview of their breeding behavior and lifecycle.
Territory Establishment
During migration, males arrive first and establish territories. These territories are often in locations with abundant nectar sources, which are essential for their energy needs. They engage in territorial displays and defend their chosen area from other males. This includes aerial chases and aggressive behaviors.
Courtship Displays
Once they have established a territory, males engage in elaborate courtship displays to attract females. These displays can include impressive aerial maneuvers and vocalizations. Females choose mates based on the quality of these displays and the availability of suitable nesting sites.
Nest Building
Then the female begins building a small, cup-shaped nest, which is about the size of a walnut shell. It measures around 2.5 to 3.8 cm (1 to 1.5 in) in size and takes around 6 to 10 days to build.
The bird constructs the nest from materials, such as plant fibers, spider silk, and lichen, attaching it to a tree branch or another suitable location. The female often camouflages the outside of the nest with materials to help it blend in with its surroundings.
Egg Laying
The female lays 1 to 3 white, pea-sized eggs, which she incubates for about 12 to 14 days. The number of eggs can vary based on factors like food availability.
The female incubates the eggs, keeping them warm with her body. During this time, she feeds less frequently and relies on the male to provide food. After hatching, both parents take turns feeding the nestlings a diet of regurgitated insects and nectar.
Fledging
The nestlings grow rapidly and fledge, or leave the nest, around 18 to 22 days after hatching. For a few more days after fledging, the young birds are fed by their parents as they continue to learn to fly and feed themselves.
After the breeding season, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin their southward migration back to their wintering grounds.
Here’s a chart detailing the nesting information of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
| Nest Building | 6 to 10 days |
| Nest Size | 2.5 to 3.8 cm (1 to 1.5 in) |
| Clutch Size | 2 eggs |
| Number of Broods | One per year |
| Egg Size | The size of a pea |
| Egg Description | White and oval |
| Incubation Period | 12 to 14 days |
| Nestling Period | 18 to 22 days |
| Hatchlings Weight | 2.5 g (0.09 oz) |
Behavior And Adaptation
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have evolved several remarkable adaptations and behaviors that enable them to thrive in their unique environment and lifestyle. Here are some of the most notable ones.
- Specialized Bill and Tongue: They have long, slender bills and extendable, tube-like tongues that are perfectly suited for reaching deep into tubular flowers to extract nectar. Their tongue’s forked tips allow them to lap up nectar efficiently.
- Rapid Wing Beats: Their wings beat at an astonishing rate, typically around 50 to 80 beats per second. This rapid wing movement allows them to hover in mid-air and access nectar from flowers without landing.
- Aerial Agility: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are highly agile in flight. They can fly forward, backward, and hover, making them one of the most maneuverable birds. Their ability to make sharp turns and rapid aerial maneuvers helps them avoid predators and competitors.
- Excellent Visual Memory: They have excellent visual memory, which is essential for remembering the locations of individual flowers and feeders within their territory, minimizing energy waste while foraging.
- Flexible Metabolism: Their high metabolism enables them to process and utilize nectar efficiently, providing the energy required for their rapid wing beats and active lifestyle. They can also shift to a more insect-based diet when nectar is scarce.
- Winter Torpor: During the winter months, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds enter a state of torpor during cold nights or periods of food scarcity. Torpor is a deep, temporary hibernation-like state that allows them to conserve energy.
Lifespan
In the wild, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically have a relatively short lifespan. On average, they live for about 3 to 5 years. However, many individuals do not survive their first year due to various challenges, such as predation, accidents, and environmental factors.
Predators
Despite their agility and speed, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have various natural predators and face threats at different stages of their life cycle.
- Orb-weaving spiders
- Praying Mantises
- Warblers, vireos, and Flycatchers
- Garter snakes and tree snakes
- Kestrels and Merlins
- Squirrels
- Domestic Cats
- Opossums and Raccoons
- Ants
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Similar Species
While Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only Hummingbird species that regularly breed in eastern North America, there are several other Hummingbird species found in different regions of North America.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbirds exhibit iridescence in their plumage, just like Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
The feathers of these birds can appear to change color as they catch and reflect light, displaying shades of green and red.
Both species have vibrant throat patches, though the colors are different.
Differences
One of the most significant differences is their geographical range. Anna’s Hummingbirds are primarily found along the western coast of North America, including parts of the United States and Canada.
They are slightly larger than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
They have striking pink-red throats and green tail feathers.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Both Broad-tailed Hummingbirds and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have iridescence in their plumage.
Their feathers display shimmering shades of green and red when catching and reflecting light.
Both species have vibrant throat patches, although the colors and patterns are distinct.
Differences
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are slightly larger than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and they have a distinctive, bright white rump patch.
They have iridescent rose-red throats, which can appear pink or magenta slightly different than the brilliant ruby-red throats of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
They are primarily found in the western United States.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbirds and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds exhibit iridescence in their plumage. They, too, display shades of green and red, and both species have vibrant throat patches.
Differences
Calliope Hummingbirds are slightly smaller than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. They are the smallest hummingbirds in North America.
They have a vibrant iridescent magenta gorget, which is a unique feature, while Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have brilliant ruby-red throats.
They have greenish-bronze central tail feathers with white tips.
Fun Facts About Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Now, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about these tiny birds and find out how they are so special and unique.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have incredibly fast wing beats, with an average rate of about 50 to 80 beats per second.
- They need to consume several times their body weight in food daily to maintain their energy levels.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can remember individual flowers and feeding locations.
- Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds camouflage their nests using materials like lichen, which helps them blend into their surroundings and avoid attracting attention from predators.
- The migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds includes a remarkable non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, which can take up to 18 to 20 hours to complete.
- They can travel up to 2,000 miles during their annual migration from their breeding grounds in North America to their wintering grounds in Central America.
- While feeding on nectar, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, making them important pollinators for a variety of plant species.
FAQ
After learning so much about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, you’re likely filled with a lot more inquiries. That’s why I’ve prepared some responses to satisfy your curiosity!
Q: How do I attract Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to my garden?
Ans: You can attract Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers with tubular shapes, especially those in shades of red, orange, and pink. Additionally, maintain clean and well-filled hummingbird feeders with a sugar water solution.
Q: Do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a sense of smell?
Ans: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a limited sense of smell, but their keen eyesight and memory are their primary tools for locating nectar sources.
Q: How can I make homemade Ruby-throated Hummingbirds nectar?
Ans: To make homemade nectar for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, mix four parts of water with one part of white granulated sugar. Boil the mixture, cool it, and fill hummingbird feeders with the solution. Avoid using red food coloring or honey in the nectar.
Final Thoughts
I believe it’s pretty obvious how even in the smallest and most delicate of creatures, we can find extraordinary beauty and inspiration. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, with their iridescent plumage, remarkable flight abilities, and captivating behaviors, embody the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
These small but extraordinary birds have a unique place in the avian kingdom, captivating all who have the privilege of observing them. From their dazzling courtship displays to their astonishing non-stop migrations across the Gulf of Mexico, they remind us of the boundless diversity and resilience of life on Earth.
In a world filled with marvels, both great and small, these tiny jewels of the avian world remind us of the profound importance of preserving and cherishing the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us.
