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Ruby-throated Hummingbird Guide

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The Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Nature's Tiny Winged Marvel

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Introduction

It s always a pleasure to see hummingbirds in my wildlife-friendly yard. You usually hear them before you see them. Their quick, high-pitched chirps announce their arrival. Once I hear that sound, I know I m in for a show. Before long, there s a flurry of wings as they dive bomb each other in what looks like an aerial duel over a patch of native flowers or my feeder.

My appreciation for these tiny birds grew even more when I learned that the same hummingbirds that visit each summer make an incredible journey every winter, flying nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico, and then return in spring to the exact same nesting tree year after year. How do they do that without a map app?

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is one of the most dazzling and beloved visitors to eastern North American gardens. Shimmering emerald green with a brilliant ruby-red throat (in males) that glows like a gemstone in sunlight, this remarkable species is the only hummingbird that breeds regularly east of the Mississippi River.

Let s take a closer look at this tiny miracle of nature, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

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Range and Migration

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breed throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada. Each fall, they migrate south to spend the winter in Central America an astonishing journey that can include a nonstop 500-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Most begin this crossing in late October and early November, departing the shore at dusk to take advantage of calm evening air and cooler nighttime temperatures. They fly through the night, beating their wings thousands of times per minute and burning nearly all of their stored fat reserves during the 18- to 24-hour journey. By the time they reach Central America the following day, these tiny birds are utterly exhausted and must quickly find food and rest.

In spring, they make the same journey northward, returning to the exact same breeding territory year after year. Many hummingbirds come back to the same yards, gardens, and even individual feeders that they used the previous season. Over generations, their offspring often return to the very same area as well, making it especially rewarding to provide native plants and safe habitat for them once a hummingbird finds your yard, their family line may continue to visit it for years to come.

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Habits and Territory

Despite their tiny size, weighing little more than a penny , Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are energetic pollinators. They play a key role in transferring pollen between native wildflowers. Females build delicate cup-shaped nests bound with spider silk, often hidden on horizontal branches of trees and shrubs.

Don’t let their dainty appearance fool you. These little birds are feisty and downright territorial. Both males and females will zealously guard their favorite flowers and feeders, darting after intruders in rapid, U-shaped flight paths like tiny, flying missiles. Males are the more aggressive show-offs during breeding season, while females focus on protecting feeding spots later in the summer. These aerial scuffles may look chaotic, but they’re just the hummingbirds keeping their turf secure . It’s a little feisty, a little dramatic, and entirely necessary for survival.

While populations remain stable overall, local declines can occur when natural feeding and nesting habitats are lost. Gardens full of native flowers and shrubs are invaluable refuges for these pint-sized divas.

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What Do Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Eat?

A common misconception is that hummingbirds live exclusively on nectar. In reality, up to 80% of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s diet comes from insects and spiders. They rely on this protein-rich food to sustain their rapid metabolism, especially during nesting season when females are feeding growing chicks.

Hummingbirds catch tiny gnats, fruit flies, mosquitoes, and small spiders, often snatching them mid-air or plucking them from webs and leaves. These insects provide amino acids, fats, and minerals that nectar alone cannot supply.

This dependence on insects makes native plants even more important for hummingbird conservation. Native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers support hundreds of insect species — including the ones that hummingbirds depend on. A hummingbird garden rich in native plants provides both nectar and the insects that form the backbone of their diet.

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Feeding Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Responsibly

Since most of a hummingbird’s diet is made up of insects, feeders aren’t actually important for their survival. Natural nectar from native plants is healthier, safer, and far more beneficial. Feeders are really just for us. They give us a chance to watch these dazzling little birds up close as they grab a quick sip. If you do decide to put up a feeder, it’s important to maintain it properly. A neglected feeder can do much more harm than good, potentially making birds sick or even causing death.

The Right Recipe: 1 Part plain white sugar, 4 Parts warm water, stir.

There’s no need to boil the water. Boiling too much can start to slightly caramelize the sugar, which changes it chemically, leading to faster spoilage and health issues for hummingbirds. It’s also unnecessary since most tap water is potable. Do not use honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as these will harm birds.

Extra nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s best not to top off the feeder, since you’ll be changing the nectar every couple of days, the birds usually won’t finish it anyway. This approach saves nectar, makes cleaning easier, and lets you prepare a larger batch to use throughout the week. Keep it simple, that’s the key to maintaining a healthy feeder. If the nectar ever looks cloudy, dump it out immediately. Remember, it’s far better to have no feeder at all than one filled with spoiled sugar water.

Even the cleanest feeder is not a substitute for natural habitat, which provides far more nutrition and supports many other species as well. Let's look at how to naturally attract humminbirds, feeder free!

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Attracting Hummingbirds Naturally

One of the most rewarding ways to welcome Ruby-throated Hummingbirds into your yard is by creating a landscape that meets their natural needs. Native plants provide everything these tiny birds rely on. This includes nectar for energy, insects for protein, and shelter for nesting. Unlike ornamental or non-native species, native flowers, shrubs, and trees have evolved alongside hummingbirds and the insects they depend on, creating a balanced ecosystem that supports these tiny creatures year after year. Let's look at some of the main hummingbird 'magnets.'

Top Native Nectar Plants - The top hummingbird magnets:

Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) - A native vine with bright red tubular flowers irresistible to hummingbirds. This is by far the best flowering plant that attracts hummingbirds. Be sure to look at the scientific name, as there are many non-native honeysuckles. These are Viney plants, so need a trellis or fence to grow on. They are fast growing and require next to no maintenance

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa) - Vibrant red or pink blooms in mid-summer that provide abundant nectar. These are also a great hummingbird attracter. Plant them in masses, even 4 or 5 together. They will return year after year.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) - One of the most magnetizing native flowers for hummingbirds; thrives in moist soils. This is a great flowring plant if you have a moist area. It also tolerates shade!

Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) - Early-spring blooms that provide an early season nectar source. Often found in woodlands, these are the first plants to bloom to feed returning hummingbirds afte their migration back north. Be careful, there is the yellow columbine which tends to be more common in garden stores, which is not native to the eastern US.

Wild Bergamot, Obediant plant, and White and/or Purple Turtlehead - These are all excellent nectar sources for hummmingbirds. My Turtlehead patch always have hummingbirds in them when in full bloom in late summer.

Native Shrubs and Trees for Nesting:

Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) - Provides both nesting sites and small berries that support other birds and insects.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) - Offers strong branch structure and early-spring blooms that attract pollinators.

Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) - A favorite for nesting due to its layered branching habit.

American Holly (Ilex opaca) - Evergreen cover provides protection year-round.

Native Viburnums (V. dentatum, V. trilobum, V. acerifolium) - Dense foliage for nesting and berries that attract a variety of wildlife.

The nice thing about the above native plants are is they are all small, and reach no more than 25 feet in size. Plus the fruits/seeds from these plants feed countless other native birds!

Feeders can be a pleasant supplement, especially during migration, but native planting is the true key to sustaining hummingbirds year after year. A yard rich in native flowers, shrubs, and trees provides nectar and supports the insects hummingbirds rely on for protein. By planting natives, keeping feeders clean, and understanding their needs, you can help ensure that ruby-throated hummingbirds continue to grace our gardens with their dazzling presence for generations to come.

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Recommended Wildlife Restoration Books:

These books below are by Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist and ecologist, widely recognized as the leading advocate for promoting native plantings in yards to support biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

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