ruby-throated hummingbird

1. Bird Name: The bird profiled is the enchanting Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Its scientific name is Archilochus colubris.

2. Appearance: The Ruby-throated hummingbird, like a gem in flight, is a thrill to spot with its radiant colors and agile movements. The adult males boast a striking ruby red throat, known as a ‘gorget’, which shimmers brilliantly in sunlight. The back and crown display a vibrant green while the chest and belly are pale whitish-grey. Their slender, needle-like beak is perfect for siphoning nectar. Females, lacking the radiant ruby throat, are often pale gray underneath with green feathers above. Both male and female possess exceptional near-ultraviolet vision allowing them to see colors that are invisible to our eyes.

3. Size: These tiny wonders are small, typically measuring about 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 inches) in length. The wingspan can reach up to 11 cm (4.3 inches) across. Their weight varies between 2-6 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are found across North America, specifically eastern US and Canada in the summers. They prefer wooded and forested habitats, especially where flower growth is abundant. They also adapt well to suburban gardens or backyards. They are known for their long-distance migration to Central America during winters.

5. Interesting Facts: A remarkable feat of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is its non-stop 500-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico during migration. Despite their small size, they are quite territorial and aggressive when it comes to defending their food resources. Females are solely responsible for nest building, which is often walnut-sized & built on a slender, often descending branch.

6. Diet: Primarily nectar feeders, these hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers. They supplement their diet with insects and spiders, providing necessary protein.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Ruby-throated hummingbirds are solitary birds, typically only coming together for mating, and can beat their wings more than 50 times per second. They make a rapid, high-pitched sound, often described as a “hum”. This sound is complemented by their vocalizations, which are sharp, monosyllabic chirping noises.

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Ruby-throated hummingbird is listed as ‘least concern’ for conservation status.

9. Lifespan: These hummingbirds can live up to 9 years in the wild. The oldest recorded Ruby-throated Hummingbird was 9 years.

10. Additional Notes:
-Archilochus colubris is known as ‘Colibri Garganta de Fuego’ in Spanish or ‘Colibri à gorge rubis’ in French.
-They have a significant role in ecosystems as pollinators. As they feed on nectar, pollen gets caught on their beak and head, assisted in the pollination process.
-Human interaction is mostly positive, with many people setting up ‘Hummingbird feeders’ in their gardens to attract them. These feeders usually contain artificial nectars and are specially designed to accommodate the bird’s feeding habits.
-The Ruby-throated hummingbirds often star in Native American folklore and are perceived as tireless messengers and healers.