Ruby Throated Hummingbird Fun Facts

Ruby throated hummingbirds are solitary adults of this species typically only come into contact for the purpose of mating.

Ruby throated hummingbird fun facts. These are just some of the most interesting facts about ruby throated hummingbirds. To get there from their north american breeding grounds some birds embark on a marathon nonstop flight across the gulf of mexico. The female ruby throated hummingbird feeds the chicks from 1 to 3 times every hour by regurgitation usually while the female continues to hover. Perhaps you ve heard them too the name hummingbird comes from the buzzing sound of their fast flapping wings.

The ruby throated hummingbirds are a solitary species. Some birds like the ruby throated hummingbird prefer orange or red flowers. While they can t sniff out feeders they do have good color vision. From their physical attributes to peculiar behaviors hummingbirds possess interesting qualities that make them unique from other birds.

It is by far the most common hummingbird seen east of the mississippi river in north america. The ruby throated grows 2 8 3 5 long with a 3 1 4 3 wingspan. If you live in the united states you ve probably seen them fluttering around during the summertime. Brightly colored and mesmerizing hummingbirds are some of the most interesting of the nearly 10 000 bird species in the world.

Both are so fast moving making it so difficult to see them. Ruby throated hummingbirds winter in mexico and central america. There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds and they can only be found in the western hemisphere although there have been a few sightings in mexico in the us pacific coast and canada. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards.

During the summer the ruby throated hummingbird migrates to northeast america then travelling to central america mexico and florida in the winter season. Hummingbirds have no sense of smell. Young ruby throated hummingbirds are fed insects for protein since nectar is an insufficient source of protein for the growing birds. Sometimes a ruby throated hummingbird is mistaken for a hummingbird moth which despite flying slower than the hummingbird also exhibits a rapid wing pattern.

Males of this species are territorial and communicate with each other primarily through vocalizations if a neighboring male intrudes on a male territory the resident male emits a single note which is repeated at increasing volume.