Bird Food Preferences

Nectar

Bird Feeder Preferences

Nectar

Plants to Attract

Woody Plants: Red buckeye; Non-woody Plants: Bee-balm, cardinal flower, columbine, fire-pink, fly honeysuckle, jewelweed, red morning-glory, round-leaved catchfly, royal catchfly, scarlet painted-cup,
trumpet creeper, trumpet honeysuckle, and
wild bergamot

Description

During the breeding season, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found in eastern North America and are common in open woodlands, grasslands, and backyards.  During fall and spring migration, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.  In order to achieve this long journey, hummingbirds double their body mass by consuming nectar and insects prior to departure.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are on average three inches in length and weigh less than 0.2 ounces.  They have emerald-green backs with gray-white underparts.  Males have an iridescent ruby-red throat, and are smaller than the females.

The female builds the nest on a branch that is 10 to 40 feet above the ground.  Nest construction takes between 6 and 10 days.  She uses dandelions as the base, spider silk to hold the nest together, and lichen or moss for the outside covering.

Similar Species

Anna's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, and Rufous Hummingbird