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Project Noah Nature School
Archilochus colubris
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species of hummingbird in eastern North America. These hummingbirds are solitary birds and extremely territorial around their food sources. They are often observed chasing each other and also other birds & insects including bees, butterflies & sphinx moths. Courtship is very brief and once the female has mated she will raise her young alone. Females are larger than the males, with longer bills, a rounded tail with white tips and a white colored throat. Females migrate south later than males, usually late August - September in the Midwest. Males will generally begin to migrate near the end of July. They feed on nectar from flowers and flowering trees, but also are known to feed on small insects which provides essential protein, vitamins & minerals. Young birds are also fed insects since nectar is not a sufficient protein source.
Eastern North America. Winters in Southern Mexico - South America. Deciduous and pine forests and forest edges, orchards, and gardens.
Observed nectaring on Bee Balm (Monarda).
Spotted on Jul 18, 2012
Submitted on Jul 20, 2012
2 Comments
This bee balm grows next to the garden sitting area, so she has become accustomed to me in her landscape :)
How did you get so close?