Size : 3 inches long
Description : Both male and female have irridescent feathers. The back is green, the belly, whitish.
The male has beautiful ruby feathers on its throat.
Preferred Habitat: Mixed woodlands, gardens
Preferred food : Nectar, small insects and sap. Will sample orange halves.
Breeding Range : Nova Scotia south to the gulf states and Florida, west to the Dakotas and east-central Texas.
Winter Range : Mexico, Central America
Interesting Facts: Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere
There are approximately 320 species, most residing in South America.
About 12 different species are found in the American West.
Only one, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is found east of the Mississippi.
Migrates to and from the Yucatan, across the Gulf of Mexico, at speeds between 30 - 40 mph.
Each gender migrates separately, with the males leaving and arriving first.
They fly about 25 feet above ground and water.
Arrive in the Central Midwest area in late April and remain until mid-September.
The same individuals return to their former territories. Actually, they will return to
the exact same spot where the feeder was located the previous year; if the feeder is not yet hung
out for them, they will hover around that spot until they are noticed.
They quickly respond to feeders filled with sugar water and may become so tame,
that hand-feeding is possible.
Have elaborate courtship manuevers, mating in midair.
Nest is tiny about 1" x 1" made of plant down and feathers bound together with spider silk; outside
may be studded with lichens
If one is found injured or in need of rescue, a wildlife rescue expert should be called immediately.
Hummingbirds have specific survival requirements and may die quickly if these are not met.
Click for further hummingbird rescue assistance:
Project Wildlife
