The only hummingbird that breeds east of the Great Plains. Each fall they fly 500+ miles non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico — an 18-hour journey for a bird weighing less than a nickel.

Also called: Ruby Throat

Native status: Native; eastern North America in summer, Central America in winter

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in); wingspan 8–11 cm
Weight2.5–4.5 g (less than a US nickel)
LifespanWild average 3–4 years; oldest banded 9 years
OrderApodiformes
FamilyTrochilidae

§ Encyclopedia

The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that generally spends the winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida, and migrates to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for the summer to breed. It is the most common hummingbird in eastern North America, having population estimates of about 35 million in 2021.

Source: Wikipedia — Ruby-throated hummingbird Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Males: iridescent emerald green back, brilliant ruby-red throat ("gorget") that can appear black if light is wrong. Females and immatures: green above, white below, no red gorget.

Similar species. Black-chinned Hummingbird (purple gorget; western range only — overlap minimal). Rufous Hummingbird (rusty body; western migrant).

Voice. High-pitched chirps and squeaks; males also produce a wing-buzz during courtship dives.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Flower nectar (especially from red tubular flowers — trumpet creeper, jewelweed, bee balm); insects and spiders for protein.

Behavior. The only hummingbird that breeds east of the Mississippi. Crosses the Gulf of Mexico in a single 18–22 hour non-stop flight during migration. Hovers on wings beating ~53 times per second.

§ Range

Eastern North America in summer; Central America in winter

§ Habitat

Open woodlands, gardens, forest edges with abundant flowers

§ Threats

Climate-driven mismatch with flower bloom timing, light pollution disrupting migration, window collisions.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the ruby-throated hummingbird is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native nectar plants (red salvia, bee balm, cardinal flower). Hang feeders with plain sugar water (no red dye). Turn off porch lights during migration.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Hummingbird Research Inc.
  • Operation RubyThroat
  • IUCN Red List 2018