Archilochus colubris

Table of Contents

Common Name: Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Scientific Classification


Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Archilochus
Species: Archilochus colubris

Conservation Status

Least Concern [LC] | (IUCN 3.1)

Identifying Features

Ruby-throated hummingbirds reach 4" long with a 5" wingspan. They are shiny green with a white chest and red throat.

Habitat & Range

Ruby-throated hummingbirds live in forests, along forest edges, and will nest near water.

Their breeding range reaches across the eastern half of the United States and southern parts of Canada. They spend the winter in the southern portion of Central America.

Behavior

These birds feed off of flower nectar and insects. They hover while drinking nectar, and can fly quickly between flowers.

Life Cycle

Ruby-throated hummingbirds breeding season is from May to September, where they will have between 1 and 2 broods.

Featured image by Jennifer Rensel.