Breeding Location:
Forest edge, Grassland with scattered trees
Breeding Type:
Solitary nester
Breeding Population:
Common to fairly common
Egg Color:
White
Number of Eggs:
2
Incubation Days:
11 - 16
Egg Incubator:
Female
Nest Material:
Soft plant down, fireweed, milkweed thistles, and leaves.
Migration:
Migratory
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Overview
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Medium hummingbird, iridescent green upperparts, head, flanks. Underparts are pale gray, paler breast, green wash on sides, belly; throat is bright red with black chin. Tail is dark, forked. Feeds primarily on nectar. Direct and hovering flight with very rapid wing beats.
Range and Habitat
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Breeds from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast; only hummingbird that breeds east of the Mississippi River. Spends winters mainly in the tropics and rarely on the Gulf Coast. Found in woodlands, orchards, and gardens.
Breeding and Nesting
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Two white eggs are laid in a nest woven from plant down, held together with spider silk, covered with lichens, and saddled to a tree branch, usually in a forest clearing. Eggs are incubated for 11 to 16 days by the female.
Foraging and Feeding
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Feeds mostly on nectar, but also eats insects and spiders; preferred flowers include honeysuckle, petunias, nasturtiums, and lilacs, but is often attracted to red-flowered species. Consumes twice its body weight each day.
Readily Eats
Sugar Water, Commercial instant nectars
Vocalization
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Call is a mouse-like, twittering squeak.
Similar Species
Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Broad-tailed Hummingbird has a duller red throat and lacks black chin. Female is distinguished from the following: Calliope Hummingbird has rufous on flanks and tail; Anna's Hummingbird is larger and has grayer breast; Costa's Hummingbird is smaller, stouter, and has pale eyebrows; Black-chinned Hummingbird has grayer crown and underparts.
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