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The Ruby-throated Hummingbird measures only 9 cm in length, and is the only species, out of the hundreds of kinds of hummingbirds, that nest in North America. Males are metallic green above, and white below, with an iridescent red throat. Immature males lack the red throat. Females are metallic green above, with a white throat and breast, pale yellow sides, and white-tipped outer tail feathers. All have tiny needle-like bills. They produce a mouse-like, twittering squeak.
Hummingbirds possess remarkable powers of flight. They can fly backwards, as well as hover in one spot, and are constantly in motion, only briefly resting.
These tiny birds use energy at a tremendous rate, and need large supplies of high energy food to survive. They are attracted to tubular red flowers, which are available all year round in the tropics, but only after July in the Algonquin Highlands. Returning to our region in May, they cannot depend on sugar-rich nectar for survival. Instead, they consume tree sap through holes made by Sapsuckers, and can be seen following these birds around for the first two months they are here. Each fall, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird returns to Central America for the winter.
While the female sits patiently, the male will perform its courtship ritual in which he will swing in a wide arc, buzzing loudly as he dips in a pendulum motion. Nests are attached to a tree branch, and are made from plant down, held together with spider silk, and covered with lichens. They will lay an average of 2 white eggs.
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RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Archilochus colubris
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