Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Text by Terri-Lee Reid
Photos by Corel

Flying forwards, backwards, or hovering in the air, ruby-throated hummingbirds delight us with their delicateness as they visit our gardens and feeders.

While most of us recognize males because of their red throats and metallic green backsides, the white-chinned females are not as easily recognized. Measuring between 7.5 and 9.5 centimetres from bill to tail, and weighing approximately three grams, ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most common hummingbird species out of the five that are found in Canada.

Having one of the longest migration routes of any hummingbird, ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate to Central America beginning in late summer or early fall with males leaving first. Amazingly, these small birds cross the Gulf of Mexico, a non-stop voyage measuring 800 kilometres! In spring, they make the return trip with the males arriving first.

The preferred breeding habitat for ruby-throated hummingbirds are the deciduous or pine forests, gardens, and orchards found from Alberta east to Nova Scotia, including Prince Edward Island.

When males return from their wintering grounds they first establish a territory and then begin their courtship displays after the arrival of females. The male plays no parental role after mating has occurred.

The female builds a nest out of plant down, cobwebs, lichens, and spider silk, giving it the appearance of a knot in a tree. The nest is built in a tree or shrub, often over water, three to 10 metres high but where it is still protected by overhead leaves. In this nest she lays an average of two white bean-sized eggs that she incubates for 10 to 14 days. After this period the hummingbirds emerge, no bigger than a honeybee, with eyes closed and very few feathers. Approximately 14 to 28 days later they are ready to leave the nest.

Beating their wings between 55 and 75 times per second, ruby-throated hummingbirds obtain energy by feeding on small insects and nectar. Although better known for their thirst for nectar, insects are a very important part of their diet. These are caught on the wing or gathered from the flowers where they feed. Preferred nectar sources are tubular flowers such as columbines, jewelweed, and bee balm. However, when nectar is scarce they depend on tree sap from the holes drilled by yellow-bellied sapsuckers.

Because of their small size, ruby-throated hummingbirds are often mistaken for insects. As such, insect-eating hawks and other raptors often take them as prey. Storms, early frosts, and even spider webs can be life-threatening events to a hummingbird.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are not only spectacular little birds that provide us with enjoyment; they are also important pollinators.

You can attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your garden by planting bright, native tubular flowers. Their two preferred flower colours are red and orange.

Some plants to try are fireweed, columbine, honeysuckle (although please avoid the invasive Japanese and Tartarian honeysuckles), jewelweed, penstemon, bee balm, bleeding heart, butterfly weed, cardinal flower, and Canada or Turk’s cap lily. Since the small insects that visit these flowers are as important to hummingbirds as nectar, be sure to avoid the use of pesticides in your garden.

You can also purchase a hummingbird feeder and fill it with a solution that you can make at home. To make your own hummingbird food, boil one part white sugar to four parts water for five minutes. You can use the solution once it has cooled, storing any excess in the refrigerator. Do not use honey in the mix because it can make hummingbirds sick, nor artificial sweeteners as they provide no sustenance for birds. Also avoid food colouring as this only adds chemicals to their diet. Fill one-third of the container and change the mixture twice a week. If the weather is really hot it should be changed every second day. When you change the mixture, take the time to clean the feeder with hot water to remove bacteria.

To entice hummingbirds to nest in your garden, provide a diversity of leafy trees and large shrubs; they have been known to nest in ironwood, beech, yellow birch, and maples, among other species. You can also provide nesting material by planting fireweed, milkweed, thistle, and other down-producing plants.

A source of fresh water is also important for hummingbirds. More information on how you can attract hummingbirds to your backyard is available on the Wild About Gardening Web site.

Remember to take some time this summer to enjoy these beautiful little gems!