ExploreBirds

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny bird known for its bright green back and sparkling red throat. These little birds are amazing fliers and can hover in one spot while they sip nectar from flowers.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny, iridescent bird with a bright emerald green back and whitish underparts. Males display a dazzling, fiery ruby-red throat patch, contrasting with the plain white throat of females and juveniles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderApodiformesFamilyTrochilidaeGenusArchilochus
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
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Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their brain is only the size of a tiny pea, yet they are so smart!

Their tiny heart beats over 1,200 times per minute!

These birds enter a deep sleep called torpor to save energy at night.

They are the only hummingbird species to breed in eastern North America.

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Acrobat

Ruby-throated Hummingbird can hover perfectly in mid-air because of unique wing rotation, helping them drink nectar.

Ability

Super Sipper

Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a long, grooved tongue that helps them quickly lap up nectar from deep inside flowers.

Ability

Energy Machine

Ruby-throated Hummingbird can beat its tiny wings over 50 times per second to power its high-energy flight.

Ability

Tiny Traveler

Ruby-throated Hummingbird can fly thousands of kilometers non-stop, crossing oceans during migration.

Measurements & details

Length
7-9 cm
Wingspan
8-11 cm
Weight
0.002-0.006 kg
Lifespan
3-5 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
2
Incubation
10-16 days
Migration Distance
3200 km

Diet & Feeding

They mostly drink sweet flower nectar for energy and eat small insects for protein.

Primary Foods

  • flower nectar
  • small flies
  • gnats
  • spiders
  • tree sap

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch hummingbirds from a distance and don't try to touch them, as they are very small and quick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Ruby-throated Hummingbird?

7-9 cm

What is Ruby-throated Hummingbird's wingspan?

8-11 cm

How much does Ruby-throated Hummingbird weigh?

0.002-0.006 kg

How long does Ruby-throated Hummingbird live?

3-5 years

How fast can Ruby-throated Hummingbird move?

50 km/h

What does Ruby-throated Hummingbird eat?

They mostly drink sweet flower nectar for energy and eat small insects for protein.

Where is Ruby-throated Hummingbird usually found?

Forests

How does Ruby-throated Hummingbird hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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