Ruby Throated Hummingbird – The North American Favorite
Posted in Wildlife A-Z | November 25, 2010 | Comment NowThe ruby throated hummingbird is a bird I came across while checking for profiles on birds the other day. This is a lovely little bird which is said to be the most commonly recognized among the hummingbirds of North America. It is the only hummingbird which is known to regularly breed in the United States of America. The red and green plumage of this little bird is well known and easily recognizable among bird watchers.
The scientific name of the ruby throated hummingbird is archilocus colubris.
Appearance:
Size: It is around 3 to 3.75 inches in length and has a wing span of about 4.5 inches, with wings that are narrow and tapered. Bill: Black and long, with a downward curve. Colors: The colors found would include black, red, white, gray, green. Markings: The male birds will have a bright red throat, black face, gray chest and bright green back. The head is also green, while the wings are a darker shade of green. The females will have a white chin, chest, abdomen and throat, and will have a buff wash on their sides. There will be faint throat streaking, a green back and green head. The females will have white tips to their tails. Food: The ruby throated hummingbird is said to survive on insects, nectar, arachnids and sap. 
Habitat and Migratory Patterns:
These birds are common visitors during the summer, when they inhabit the eastern half of the United States. They will also flock to south central and south eastern Canada. These birds are known to be found in the deciduous forests, gardens, backyards, parks and also regions where there are nectar rich flowers. These hummingbirds will migrate to Central America during early fall, and will cross about 500 miles over the Gulf of Mexico; and they do so without ever stopping.
Vocal Abilities:
This form of the hummingbird is not generally very vocal, but is said to have a high pitched chatter, and some high ‘pips’ which it will use when it is threatened, or during displays of courtship.
Reproduction:
Ruby throated varieties will generally be solitary birds and will come together only when they need to mate. Pairs can produce about 2-3 broods of eggs (2 eggs in each brood) in a single year. The females are responsible for building the best and incubating the eggs for about 10 days. They will also care for the nestlings up to about 22 days post the hatching.
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