Archilochus colubris
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a dazzling, diminutive jewel of the eastern North American avifauna, instantly recognizable by its iridescent plumage and incredible aerial agility. Measuring approximately 7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 10-11 cm (3.9-4.3 inches) and weighing a mere 2-6 grams (0.07-0.21 oz), it is the smallest bird found in the eastern United United States and Canada. Males are particularly striking, featuring a brilliant, fiery rub...
Found primarily in deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, suburban gardens, orchards, and old fields. They typically inhabit low to mid-elevations across their range, rarely found above 1,500 meters (5,000 feet).
Primarily consumes nectar from a wide variety of tubular flowers, particularly red and orange ones, and feeds on small insects and spiders (gleaned or caught in mid-air) to provide essential protein. They also readily visit artificial sugar-water feeders.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are highly diurnal, intensely active throughout daylight hours, foraging continuously to fuel their rapid metabolism; at night or during cold spells, they enter a state of torpor to conserve energy, hanging upside down from a sheltered branch. Their foraging strategy in...
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird boasts an expansive breeding range across Eastern North America, stretching from central Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba eastward across southern Canada to Nova Scotia, and south through the entire eastern half of the United States, reaching the Gulf Coast states...
Least Concern
- The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the smallest bird species found in Eastern North America. - Its wings beat so fast, between 50 and 80 times per second, that they produce an audible hum and appear as a blur. - They are one of the few bird species capable of sustained backward flight. - Many ind...