Common Name: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris
Migration: Migratory; full population migrates seasonally.
Habitat:
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have the largest breeding range of any hummingbird that breeds in North America, and they are the most common hummingbird in the eastern part of the continent. These birds prefer open woodland or deciduous forest edge habitats, meadows and grasslands with suitable wildflowers and parks, gardens and backyards. They are frequently found in flowering hedgerows, and in spring they are common visitors to orchards to take advantage of the insects drawn to blooming trees before many other flowers are available. In winter, they stay in dry forests in their non-breeding range, and are often found in scrub areas and citrus groves. Occasional vagrant sightings are reported outside the typical range, and some ruby-throated hummingbirds will overwinter along the Gulf Coast.
In backyards, there are many flowers that attract hummingbirds that ruby-throated hummingbirds enjoy, though they are partial to red and orange blooms. Flowering shrubs and bushes are also important for hummingbird-friendly landscaping.
For more information, see the complete ruby-throated hummingbird profile.
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