Feeder birds
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that generally spends the winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida, and migrates to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for the summer to breed. It is the most common hummingbird in eastern North America, having population estimates of about 35 million in 2021.
Tiny and metallic green; males show a red throat in good light.
- Scientific name
- Archilochus colubris
- Group
- Feeder birds
- Main color
- Green
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
This hummingbird is from 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 in) long and has an 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 in) wingspan.
Diet
They may defend territories, such as a feeding territory, attacking and chasing other hummingbirds that enter.
Range and habitat
The breeding habitat is throughout most of the Eastern United States and south-central and southeastern Canada in deciduous and pine forests and forest edges, orchards, and gardens.
Lifespan
The oldest known ruby-throated hummingbird to be banded was 9 years and 1 month of age.
Voice
If the female is receptive to the male, she may give a call and assume a solicitous posture with her tail feathers cocked and her wings drooped.
More photos
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Ruby-throated Hummingbird FAQ
How big is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird?
This hummingbird is from 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 in) long and has an 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 in) wingspan.
What does the Ruby-throated Hummingbird eat?
They may defend territories, such as a feeding territory, attacking and chasing other hummingbirds that enter.
How long does the Ruby-throated Hummingbird live?
The oldest known ruby-throated hummingbird to be banded was 9 years and 1 month of age.
How do I identify a Ruby-throated Hummingbird?
Tiny and metallic green; males show a red throat in good light.
Where does the Ruby-throated Hummingbird live?
The breeding habitat is throughout most of the Eastern United States and south-central and southeastern Canada in deciduous and pine forests and forest edges, orchards, and gardens.
Is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Ruby-throated Hummingbird as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.