Ruby Throated Hummingbird - Indiana Garden Bird © &2009

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Ruby Throated Hummingbird - Indiana Garden Bird

Ruby Throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubri

The ruby throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird which will be found in the gardens of Indiana.

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The ruby throated hummingbird can be found flitting to and fro among the flowers of a garden as it feeds on nectar. The young of the ruby throated hummingbird have white throats. Only the male displays the brilliant red throat which gives the species its common name. Small, at only three inches in length, the ruby throated hummingbird has the greatest range of any of the hummingbirds, as it can be found in the entire eastern half of the United States, and parts of southern Canada.

The hummingbird can hover and fly backwards, creating an amazing aerial display. This is possible because of the way the ruby throated hummingbird's body is constructed. Muscle mass makes up almost thirty percent of their bodies. The long, saber like wings are connected with a special joint which enables the wing to rotate almost one hundred eighty degrees. The wings will beat almost seventy-five times per minute when the hummingbird is flying forwards.

The ruby throated hummingbird inhabits fields, open woodlands, meadows and gardens. They can be found near their favorite foodsource - flowers. The nest is tiny, usually between three and fifty feet above the ground. The small, plain white half inch long eggs are laid in the nest, which is constructed of spider web, bound together with saliva. The nest is then covered with bits of lichen moss.

What do ruby throated hummingbirds eat? Follow this link.
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