Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris

ruby-throated hummingbird © Jim Roetzel

Description: A small bird (3 - 3 3/4"). Usually iridescent, with needlelike bills for sipping nectar. The male Ruby-throat has a glowing fiery-red throat, iridescent green back, forked tail. The female lacks red throat; has a blunt tail with white spots. (See enlarged picture below.)

Food: Nectar of flowers; aphids, other small insects, spiders.

Voice: Male in aerial display swings like a pendulum in a wide arc, each swing accompanied by a hum. Notes, high, squeaky.

Habitat: Breeding: In both heavily-wooded and open deciduous, mixed pine-hardwood, or pine (PINUS) forests, forest edge, savannas, wetlands, orchards, parks, wooded yards, and gardens (Cadman et al. 1987, Jackson et al. 1996, Johnston and Odum 1956, Oberholser 1974, Palmer-Ball 1996, Robinson et al. 1996). Nest is typically constructed near tip of a downward sloping branch, from 0.5-15 meters above the ground or water (Jackson et al. 1996, Robinson et al. 1996). Nest is typically sheltered overhead by leaves, and open below (Robinson et al. 1996).

Stewardship Overview: North American Breeding Bird Survey data indicate a population increase during the last 30 years. May be more widespread on the breeding grounds than presettlement due to the creation of successional and edge habitat, the introduction of non-native nectar-producing plants, and the popularity of artificial feeders. Habitat changes associated with timber harvest are either benign or can enhance breeding populations. Additional monitoring programs need to be developed to accurately track population trends, particularly in overwintering habitat.