Ruby-throated Hummingbird
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Archilochus colubris
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Description: |
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A small bird measuring up to 4 inches in length and weighing only 0.1 - 0.2 ounces. The back is iridescent green. The male has a brilliant iridescent red throat and the female's is white. |
Range: |
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Breeds in eastern North America and winters in southern Florida, Mexico, and Central America. Found in Florida March - October, though in South Florida some remain year-round. |
Distribution and Abundance in Florida: |
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Habitat(s): |
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Woodlands, gardens, parks, and orchards. |
Reproduction: |
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1 to 3 white eggs are laid in a nest of plant down and spiderwebs saddled to the branch of a tree. |
Natural History: |
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Food: |
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This species feeds on flower nectar, small insects, and tree sap. They prefer tube-shaped flowers to nectar from and are particularly attracted to plants that produce red flowers. Nectar sources include: Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea) and Firebush (Hamelia patens). |
Comments: |
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See also the Florida Wildflower Foundation's Know Your Native Pollinators page. |
Synonyms: |
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