Ruby Throated Hummingbird

The weather might not be cooperating this year but that won’t stop our smallest migrant. Time to welcome back the Ruby throated hummingbirds at Boyerts! The Ruby throated hummingbird is Ohio’s smallest bird; and our only nesting hummingbird. These tiny little birds only measure 2.5 – 3.8 inches in length and weigh only 0.1-0.2 ounces!  The male of this species is characteristic of its name, sporting a bright ruby throat and deep emerald green plumage.  The females have a grey throat and beautiful emerald green plumage. Both sexes have white to grey under parts, short legs, and a slightly curved bill. Male juvenile hummers do not develop their red throat until they have migrated to their tropical wintering grounds.  The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is one of the only birds that can actively hover and fly backwards. Hummingbirds beat their wings about 53 times a second! Wow!

 The Ruby Throated Hummingbird is one of the most wide spread hummingbirds. They are very adaptable and are often found in a wide range of habitats including open woodlands, prairies and readily around humans. These small birds are in Ohio mid-spring through early fall. They migrate south as far as Mexico and Central America.  After courtship in spring the male Ruby Throat leaves the female and he may begin his migration south as early as August. The Ruby Throated Hummingbird nest is extremely small. It measures approximately 2.25” around, and is made only by the female. She makes her nest from various plant materials. It is held together by spider webs and uses lichens to camouflage it. The average clutch size for the Ruby throated hummingbird is 1-2 eggs and they measure about .25” long. 

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Attracting Ruby Throated Hummingbirds can be achieved in a variety of ways.  Planting hummingbird gardens is a common way of luring these little birds to your backyard. Perennial plants that readily attract hummers include; Heuchera (Coral Bells), Hostas (leave flower stalks intact), perennial Lobelia, and many more. Check out our perennial section for a complete list of plant selections for hummingbirds.  There are many colorful annual plants for attracting the Ruby Throat as well. Lantana, Pentas, Canna lily, and Fuchsia, are great annual favorites of these small birds. 

 There are many different styles of hummingbird feeders available. Selecting a feeder that is easy to clean is extremely important.  It is very important to observe the level of food in your hummingbird feeder.  Changing out food weekly is a must.  Hummingbird food left to long in a feeder can cause serious illness to the birds. Many food mixes are now enhanced with extra vitamins and nutrients for the birds. If you make your own hummingbird food, DO NOT add food coloring, this can also harm the birds and is un-necessary to attract them.  Check out our birding section for more information on feeding your Ruby Throated Hummingbirds and proper care of your feeder.