Ruby Throated Hummingbird Facts
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the smallest bird species in North America.
Male ruby-throated hummingbirds have a vibrant red throat patch, which gives them their name.
These hummingbirds are known for their incredible flying abilities, hovering in mid-air and even flying backwards.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have the highest metabolic rate of any bird species, beating their wings up to 80 times per second.
Despite their small size, these birds embark on an incredible migration journey every year, flying thousands of miles across the Gulf of Mexico.
The diet of ruby-throated hummingbirds consists mainly of nectar from flowers, which provides them with energy.
These birds also eat insects and spiders, which serve as an important source of protein in their diet.
The average lifespan of a ruby-throated hummingbird is around 3 to 5 years.
Female ruby-throated hummingbirds are slightly larger than males.
These birds are found mainly in eastern and central parts of North America during breeding season.
The courtship display of male ruby-throated hummingbirds involves a series of impressive aerial maneuvers.
Despite their small size, ruby-throated hummingbirds can fly at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
These birds have a remarkable ability to remember precise locations of nectar sources.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are solitary birds and only come together for breeding and migration.
Ruby Throated Hummingbird Facts part 2
The heart rate of a hummingbird can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have a unique ability to enter a state of torpor – a type of hibernation – to conserve energy during the night or when food sources are scarce.
The beak of a hummingbird is specially adapted for reaching deep into flowers to obtain nectar.
These birds play an important role in pollination, transferring pollen from one flower to another as they feed.
The iridescent feathers of ruby-throated hummingbirds are actually colorless, but they refract light to create brilliant hues.
The nest of a ruby-throated hummingbird is about the size of a walnut and is often made of materials such as spider silk and lichen.
Female hummingbirds build their nests alone and take care of all parental duties.
Baby hummingbirds, known as chicks, are born blind and featherless.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have a high tolerance for cold temperatures, allowing them to be one of the first birds to return to their breeding grounds in spring.
These birds have a long tongue that can extend far beyond their beak to reach nectar.
The wings of a hummingbird can rotate in a full circle, allowing them to maneuver with great agility.
The primary food source for ruby-throated hummingbirds is flower nectar, but they will also visit hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water.
The migration journey of a ruby-throated hummingbird can take about 18 to 22 hours of non-stop flying.
These birds are known for their incredibly loud chirping and buzzing sounds.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have a highly territorial nature, fiercely defending their feeding and nesting areas.
The average weight of an adult ruby-throated hummingbird is only about 3 grams.
These birds have excellent eyesight, allowing them to spot small flowers and insects from long distances.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are attracted to bright red or orange flowers, which are easier to spot.
These birds have a unique ability to rapidly change direction without losing much speed.
The scientific name for the ruby-throated hummingbird is Archilochus colubris.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are not found in any other part of the world except North America.
These birds have a relatively large brain size compared to their body size.
The breeding season for ruby-throated hummingbirds typically begins between April and May.
Males perform a spectacular aerial display called a dive display to attract females.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are highly resilient and can recover from injuries or sickness relatively quickly.
The hovering ability of these birds is due to their unique wing structure, which allows them to generate lift in all directions.
The ruby-throated hummingbird was first described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Despite their small size, these birds have an impressive long-distance migratory behavior.
Female ruby-throated hummingbirds usually lay 2 eggs per clutch.
The humming sound produced by these birds during flight is a result of their rapid wing beats.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have a strong preference for native plants when it comes to choosing nectar sources.