Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

Compiled by Liam Molina

Named for its distinct ruby-red throat, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a common sight in woodland and brushy habitats. If you have hummingbird feeders or flowers planted in your backyard, these guys have most likely been frequent visitors. Passing through Texas during their migration, these birds settle in Central America during the fall and spend the winter in Panama. God, I’d love to steal their travel itinerary!

Hummingbirds of all forms beat their wings incredibly quickly, making them look to the naked eye like they’re hovering in place. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds beat their wings 53 times a second, or over 3,000 times a minute! Hummingbirds, unlike other birds, do not flap their wings, instead rotating them in a figure eight pattern, which allows them to fly in unconventional ways like backwards, in place and upside down.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have incredibly short legs and are not able to walk or hop, instead only being able to shuffle side to side when perched. Often feeding from flowers, these birds are equipped with great vision that can observe the ultraviolet spectrum, and they have been known to prefer flowers with orange and red hues. 

Hummingbird nests can be found in all kinds of unconventional places due to their close relationship with humans and small size, often being found on porches, wind chimes, string lights, wire and even extension cords. If you’re looking for a long term relationship, do not date a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, as males typically stick around for courtship and mating before migrating. Talk about commitment issues!

Sources: Ebird.org, Allaboutbirds.org

Photo Credit: Craig A. Mullenback, Will Stuart, Carmen Elia, Steven Biegler