Reviewed bird profile

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds need abundant nectar flowers, tiny insects, perches, and safe cover. A sequence of native blooms is the foundation; a carefully maintained sugar-water feeder can supplement it.

Serve

Best foods

plain white sugar solution at 1:4 sugar-to-water
natural flower nectar

Offer fresh food in small amounts and clean feeding surfaces regularly.

Plant

Useful plants

cardinal flower
trumpet honeysuckle
native salvia

Confirm regional nativity and growing conditions before planting.

Place

Best feeders

hummingbird feeder

Provide visibility, nearby escape cover, and an easy cleaning routine.

Identify

Field marks

Metallic green above and pale below; adult males have an iridescent ruby throat that may look dark in poor light.

Nest

Nesting habits

cup; commonly using slender tree branch. Typical clutch: 2.

Season

Movement

breeding visitor in eastern North America; winters mainly in Mexico and Central America. Migration pattern: long.

Plan responsibly for Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Use this profile as a starting point, then confirm local range, seasonality, and species-specific feeding guidance before changing your yard.

Create my local plan →