Home, near and far.
Breeds throughout the eastern United States, east of the 100th meridian, and into southern Canada. Winters in southern Mexico, Central America (south to Costa Rica), and the West Indies.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the sole breeding hummingbird across eastern North America, recognized by its iridescent green plumage. These agile birds are known for their rapid wing beats, which create a distinctive humming sound. They are often seen darting among flowers, seeking nectar.
MigratoryTiny sizeChattering voiceNectar
Meet the neighborhood - Length
- 7-9 cm
- Wingspan
- 8-11 cm
- Weight
- 2-6 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Adult Male
Bright emerald or golden-green back and crown with gray-white underparts. Features a brilliant, iridescent ruby-red throat (gorget) that can appear dark in poor light.
- 02
Adult Female
Golden-green above and whitish below, with a dull grayish throat. Outer tail feathers are tipped with white.
- 03
Juvenile
Resembles the adult female; young males may show a few red feathers on their throat.
- 04
Flight
Flies straight and fast, capable of instant stops, hovering, and precise backward or vertical movements.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
During breeding season, found in deciduous and pine forests, forest edges, orchards, and gardens. In winter, they inhabit tropical deciduous forests, citrus groves, and various open or semi-open areas.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
These hummingbirds are strong migrants, often flying nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico. They typically migrate from Canada to Costa Rica. Some individuals may winter along the U.S. Gulf Coast or in southern Florida.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Communication consists of chattering calls. Males may produce a series of chips at dawn.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Primarily feeds on nectar from tubular flowers, showing a preference for red or orange blooms. Also consumes small insects like gnats, aphids, and spiders, which provide essential protein and fat.
Typically feeds while hovering, extending its long bill and tongue deep into flowers. May also perch at feeders. Catches small insects in mid-air or plucks them from foliage and spider webs.
A place to begin.
The female builds a compact, thimble-sized cup nest of plant fibers and spider silk, camouflaged with lichens, usually 1.5-6 meters above ground on a horizontal branch.
The little routines.
Males establish and defend territories, using vocalizations and aggressive displays. Courtship involves elaborate U-shaped aerial dives by the male. They do not form breeding pairs; females provide all parental care.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird species that reliably breeds in eastern North America.
During migration, individuals can nearly double their body mass to fuel nonstop flights of up to 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico.
Their wings beat more than 50 times per second, creating the characteristic humming sound.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.