Welcome to the official ruby-throated hummingbird website!Hummingbirds. They chirp, fly high, and are really small. So what? Most people don't know, or don't care about why they exist. Those same people are probably the ones who take their food for granted. Food, almost 10% of which relies on hummingbirds to exist. On this website, we promise to give you the most reliable information possible, with no ads. If you like this website, check out our other website at http://theextraordinarynotebook.weebly.com.
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Overview
(Archilochus Colubris)
Average length: 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) Average weight: 1/8 ounce (3.1 g) Body temperature: 105°-108°F (40.5°-42.2°C) Wing beats: 40-80 per second, average about 52 Respiration: 250 per minute Heart rate: 250 beats/min resting; 1200 beats/min feeding Flight speed: 30 mph (48 kph) normal; 50 mph (80 kph) escape; 63 mph (101 kph) dive |
Appearance
Though it's their name, only the males in this species have the so-called "Ruby-Throat". Both genders share the aspects of a bright emerald or a golden green back and crown. The male Ruby-Throats are slightly larger, with a rounder head. As opposed to this, the female Ruby-Throats are longer, and more slender with a more toned-down color pattern. Their small faces are adorned with a slender, curved beak. Also, their wings are snazzy, yet short, and don't quite reach their feet. Their legs are also very small, so small that they actually have to fly everywhere. In an emergency they might be able to manage a shuffle, however this is very awkward for everyone involved.
behavior
In their frantic search for nectar, hummingbirds will fly straight, upside down, backwards, and can even stop in the middle of a mad-dash. "What's that? A bug?" They will dive from extreme heights for all kinds of food. If you stay outside long enough, they can actually become accustomed to you. Make sure you wear red, it's their favorite! If you really want to hit it off well with these Hummingbirds, hang a feeder by the window - it attracts more visitors. |
Habitat
If you're looking to spot one of these Ruby-Throated beauties in the wild, look to the trees. They also live in meadows, grasslands, parks, gardens, and the occasional backyard. Even though they live in lots of places, they prefer to make their nests in coniferous or deciduous trees. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is by far the most common species that breeds in North America. They breed throughout eastern to mid-western North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. During winter, most migrate to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands, although a few remain in the U.S. near the Gulf, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Males migrate earlier than females, in both directions, and some adult males even start south as early as July. Females depart in September, with the young of the year following; the last juveniles leave abruptly at first frost (mid-October). By mid-November the fall migration is essentially completed throughout North America. Finally! When Spring arrives, they arrive at the coast in late February or early March, and follow the development of spring flowers northward.
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Diet and PreyHummingbirds only eat nectar; right? Wrong. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will eat everything from sap to ants. They start their lives being fed by their mothers, however after 3-weeks, they are on their own. They spend much of their life searching for red, long, tubular wild flowers. The more nectar, the better. However, their bodies require protein. Whenever this happens, they search for nutrient-packed insects, in particular aphids. |
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Threats & Predators |
Though Ruby-throated hummingbirds are quick and agile fliers, they are often caught. The most obvious of these predators are cats. These hunters will sneak up on innocent hummingbirds and attack them with razor sharp claws. Even if they don't get the whole bird, they will often get away with the tail. However, cats are not the only predator of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. Other predators of this small bird include hawks, spiders, green frogs, fish, bees, wasps, and even praying mantids. These animals can easily capture the Ruby-throated hummingbird due to it's size and speed. Despite all of these harmful predators, the hummingbirds are not an endangered species. So don't worry, they'll be flying around for years! |
Fast Facts
-One of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds migrations can cover over 500 miles of travel. -During these fantastic migrations they fly 18 to 22 hours nonstop. -In summer, this species can eat so much that they actually double in weight. -Each female lays one to three eggs per laying. -These Hummingbirds are easily attracted to long, tubular flowers, especially red ones. -This type of bird can actually see the ultraviolet spectrum. |
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Last updated June 2015. Information free for use of the public. See citations for image permissions. Thank You.