How to Identify aRuby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris · 2.8–3.5 in (7–9 cm)
Male vs. female
Male
Metallic green above, whitish below, with an iridescent red throat (gorget) that can look black in shade.
Female
Green above and plain whitish below with no red throat; often a slightly rounded, white-tipped tail.
Male photo: jeffreyw / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0 · Female photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Field marks
- Iridescent green back
- Male's ruby-red throat (flashes in the light)
- Long thin bill for nectar
- Hovering flight with a rapid wing hum
Similar species
What it sounds like
High squeaky chips and twitters, plus the audible hum of the wings.
Behaviour that gives it away
Crosses the Gulf of Mexico in a single non-stop flight, roughly doubling its body weight in fat beforehand.
Habitat & range
Gardens, woodland edges, and nectar feeders across the eastern U.S. in the warm months.
When you'll see it
A summer visitor that arrives to breed in eastern and central North America.
What it eats
Flower nectar and sugar water, plus small insects and spiders for protein.
Did you know?
On migration some cross the Gulf of Mexico non-stop — hundreds of miles of open water without a rest.
Spot one yourself?
Point your camera at any bird and Aviarist identifies it in seconds — then logs it to your life list.
Get Aviarist on Google Play
More backyard birds
_female_Palopo.jpg){kind=link}
Other apps we make
