Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) in the wild — Catch'Um species field guide

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) wildlife photograph

Overview

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the familiar hummingbirds of eastern North America. Males flash an iridescent ruby-red throat as they hover at feeders and tubular flowers, beating their wings dozens of times per second before migrating across the Gulf of Mexico.

For US collectors, this hummingbird is the eastern garden staple — ruby gorget, feeder dogfight, and the only breeding hummingbird across most of the East.

Scientific nameArchilochus colubris
Length7–9 cm
Weight2–6 g
LifespanAround 3–5 years in the wild
DietFloral nectar from…
ConservationLeast Concern
RegionEastern US Gardens & Edges

Habitat

Garden feeder zone
Woodland edge
Flower meadow
Riparian corridor

Gardens, woodland edges, meadows, and riparian corridors of the eastern United States with nectar flowers, feeders, and small insects.

Countries found

Ruby-throated Hummingbird in United States

Field notes

Field scale for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird: length around 7-9 cm; weight 2-6 g. Typical lifespan: Around 3-5 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise garden feeder zone, woodland edge, flower meadow, and riparian corridor. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Tiny emerald-green hummingbird; male has a brilliant ruby-red throat. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Diet

Floral nectar from tubular flowers and sugar-water feeders.

Tiny insects and spiders provide essential protein.

Behaviour

Hover at flowers and chase rivals from rich nectar sources.

Long-distance migrants; males often arrive on breeding grounds first.

How to identify

Tiny emerald-green hummingbird; male has a brilliant ruby-red throat.

Female is whitish below without the red gorget; needle-thin bill.

Interesting facts

01
Only breeding hummingbird across most of eastern North America.
02
Male’s throat (gorget) blazes ruby-red in good light.
03
Wings beat roughly 50 times per second in hover.
04
Migrate across or around the Gulf of Mexico.
05
Eat nectar plus tiny insects and spiders for protein.
06
Tiny cup nests are built from plant down and spider silk.

Conservation status

LC: Least Concern

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are Least Concern and remain common in the East. Garden feeders and native nectar plants help, while habitat loss on migration routes is a longer-term concern.

Sources: IUCN Red List