Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Common Name |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird |
Scientific Name |
Archilochus colubris |
Length |
3 3/4" |
Weight |
Weight can range from 2 to 6 g (0.071 to 0.21 oz), with males averaging 3.4 g (0.12 oz) and the slightly larger female averaging 3.8 g (0.13 oz) |
Range |
The only hummingbird found consistently all over the Eastern U.S. Ruby Throats gather in Florida, Louisiana and along the South Texas coast in September in preparation for the final push to the south, either over the Gulf of Mexico or via an overland route through Mexico. First arrivals in the spring, usually males, are back in Texas and Louisiana in late February to mid-March. In more northern states, first arrivals are not until April or May. |
Lifespan of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird |
The average life span is estimated by experts to be 3 - 5 years. Most deaths occur in the first year of life. The record age of a banded ruby-throated hummingbird is 6 years, 11 months. |
Characteristics and Identification |
The adult male has a brilliant ruby red throat (gorget), black chin, and deeply notched, forked tail. Males use a repeating "pendulum" arch of flight to attract females. The female's throat is white, and immatures are similar in color to the female. The female body is slender, with a blunt, rounded tail with white corners. Very rare forms of Albino and white Leucistic Ruby-throat Hummingbirds do exist. The Ruby-throated and Black-chinned hummingbirds are very similar, but have separate ranges. The Ruby-throated has a straight beak, while the Black-chinned is curved. And the red gorget of the Ruby-throat can appear black in certain light and at certain angles. The Ruby-throated and Broad-tailed are also similar in many ways. But they occupy separate ranges, Ruby-throats in the Eastern US and Broad-tails in the Western US. |
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The World of Nature, Series V "Among Our Feathered Friends" Distributed by the Coca-Cola Company |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird ... yes, it IS my feeder! |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird - Spring of 2017 |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird ... up close and personal |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds feeding during fall migration |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird feeding ... and hovering! |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird ... sitting stunned after flying into a window ... it was fine, and flew off! |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird enjoying a moment of peace before the next attack! |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird looking for a landing spot on the feeder |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Two Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds sharing a feeder peacefully |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in hand ... didn't see the window! Stunned, but flew away after getting oriented again! |
Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds ... Two's a Crowd! |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird guarding "his" feeder |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Young male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird ... at Rest! |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird hovering at the feeder |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Mature male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Fluffed-up Ruby-Throated Hummingbird |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Up close and personal with a mature, male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird waiting patiently on its feeder |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird ... Sitting alone on a lawn chair |
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Source: Author's Photo Archives |