Ruby throated hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds found across North America. Their tiny size, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair make them truly remarkable. Here are three interesting facts about these colorful creatures:
They are the smallest birds found in North America
Ruby throated hummingbirds are teeny tiny! They measure only about 3 to 4 inches long from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail. Their wingspan ranges from 3 to 4.5 inches. They typically weigh less than a nickel, between 2 to 6 grams. This makes them the smallest bird species found across North America.
To put their miniature size into perspective, a ruby throated hummingbird is about the same length as a grape. Their lightweight body allows them to hover in the air and perform aerial acrobatics that other larger birds simply cannot do.
The ruby throated hummingbird gets its name from the bright metallic red throat patch found on the males. This patch of iridescent feathers covers the throat and chin. When the light hits just right, it flashes brilliantly. Females lack the red throat patch and are more muted in color.
They are the only hummingbird species found east of the Mississippi River
While over 300 hummingbird species exist worldwide, the ruby throated hummingbird is the sole representative in Eastern North America. This range extends across the Eastern United States up into Canada, from the Gulf Coast through Maine.
All other hummingbird species found in North America, such as the Anna’s, Allen’s, rufous, and Costa’s hummingbirds, reside along the West Coast or Southwest regions. The ruby throated hummingbird has the largest breeding range of any hummingbird species in North America.
During summer months, ruby throated hummingbirds as far north as Canada migrate down south to Mexico and Central America for the winter. Then they make the incredible journey all the way back up north again each spring. Their migration is one of the most incredible feats of endurance in the animal kingdom given the tiny bird’s size.
They can beat their wings up to 70 times per second
The wings of a ruby throated hummingbird can flutter up to 70 times per second. This allows them to propel their bodies forward, hover mid-air, and even fly backwards. The rapid wing beats are what produce the characteristic humming sound that gives hummingbirds their name.
Hummingbirds have specially adapted shoulder joints that allow their wings to rotate in a full circle. Other birds can only move their wings forwards and backward along one plane. The circular wing movement lets hummingbirds manipulate their flight unlike any other bird.
Their wing muscles make up over 25% of their total body weight. This gives them the power and stamina to beat their wings so quickly. Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of all animals due to the huge energy demands required for hovering flight. They consume up to half their body weight in nectar each day and feed from hundreds of flowers daily.
Here is an interesting table comparing the tiny ruby throated hummingbird to other common North American bird species:
| Bird Species | Length | Wingspan | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby throated Hummingbird | 3-4 inches | 3-4.5 inches | 2-6 grams |
| Blue Jay | 9-12 inches | 13-17 inches | 70-100 grams |
| American Robin | 8.5-11 inches | 12-16 inches | 77 grams |
| Red tailed Hawk | 19-25 inches | 49-56 inches | 2.4-3.2 lbs |
As you can see, the ruby throated hummingbird is absolutely tiny compared to other common backyard birds. Their miniscule size allows them to buzz around with agility as they drink nectar from flowers.
They have a specialized long tongue to drink nectar
Ruby throated hummingbirds have a tongue that is specially adapted for drinking nectar from flowers. Their tongue is long and extendable, measuring up to 4 inches long. This allows them to delve deep into flower blossoms when feeding.
The tongue itself is forked and has tube-like structures along the tips that allow the nectar to move up the tongue through capillary action. As nectar enters these tube-like structures, it rapidly moves along the grooves of the tongue directly into the throat.
Ruby throated hummingbirds feed from a variety of brightly colored, tubular flowers. Some favorites include columbines, trumpet vines, bee balms, and cardinal flowers. Their slender bill and long tongue are perfectly suited to retrieve the nectar tucked within these blossoms.
They consume up to half their body weight in nectar daily
Ruby throated hummingbirds have an incredibly fast metabolism. They must stop to refuel their tiny bodies frequently throughout the day by drinking nectar from flowers.
Hummingbirds consume between 3 to 7 calories per day on average. This may not seem like much, but it equates to up to half of their total body weight in nectar each day!
To meet these extreme energy demands, ruby throated hummingbirds visit hundreds of flowers daily and eat approximately every 10-15 minutes. Their high-energy lifestyle keeps them buzzing through the air from dawn until dusk.
Here is a table showing the estimated daily nectar consumption of ruby throated hummingbirds compared to their tiny body size:
| Ruby throated Hummingbird | Average Body Weight | Daily Nectar Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3 grams | 1.5-2 grams |
| Female | 3.5 grams | 2-3 grams |
As you can see, ruby throated hummingbirds consume up to 2-3 grams of nectar daily. Given their tiny size, this equates to an incredible 50-100% of their total body weight each day!
They are solitary and territorial
Ruby throated hummingbirds lead mostly solitary lives and are highly territorial. Males in particular aggressively defend their feeding grounds from intruders or other male competitors.
A male ruby throated hummingbird will stake out a territory around a prime nectar source, such as a backyard feeder or particularly flower-filled garden. He will perch in a high vantage point waiting for females to enter his domain and chase out intruder males.
Despite their small size, male hummingbirds are surprisingly aggressive and will repeatedly dive bomb and chase away any intruders. Their sharp bill can inflict injuries during these fast-paced aerial skirmishes.
This solitary behavior amplifies during the breeding season, as males become preoccupied with attracting mates. Females also exhibit territorial behavior while nesting, and may evict other females from their proximity.
They perform elaborate mating dances and displays
Male ruby throated hummingbirds put on spectacular mating displays to impress females and advertise their desirability as a mate. These elaborate courtship rituals include aerial shows and singing.
A male will fly in rapid loops, dive bombs, and midair stunts to show off his flying skills and the flashy iridescent plumage on his throat. He will also vocalize sharp high-pitched notes and whistling sounds to get the female’s attention.
If a female is interested, she will observe his efforts and allow him to approach her. But she will quickly flee if unimpressed! Females carefully select their mate and the most athletic skillful displays are more likely to win her over.
These beautiful mating dances are a sight to behold in the spring and summer months when ruby throated hummingbirds are breeding across North America.
Conclusion
In summary, ruby throated hummingbirds are captivating birds that possess unique adaptations allowing them to hover with agility. Their diminutive size sets them apart from all other bird species in Eastern North America. They have insatiable appetites and must consume up to half their tiny body weight in nectar daily to fuel their high-energy lifestyles. These busy birds move rapidly from flower to flower, stopping to refuel every 10-15 minutes. Male ruby throated hummingbirds perform spectacular mating displays and vigorously defend feeding territories. Their beauty, energy, and flying skills make hummingbirds one of the most delightful avian wonders to observe in nature.
