Archilochus colubris
The only hummingbird species that breeds in eastern North America and Ontario's sole breeding hummingbird. Known for its iridescent ruby-red throat (male), extraordinary hovering flight, and long-distance migration across the Gulf of Mexico. Important pollinator of tubular red and orange flowers.
Seasonal Activity
Diet
Nectar from tubular red, orange, and pink flowers; small insects and spiders for protein
Lifecycle
Long-distance migrant. Arrives in Ontario in early May after migrating from Central America and Mexico, including a nonstop 800 km flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Males establish and defend feeding territories upon arrival. Courtship involves dramatic aerial dive displays. Female alone builds a tiny lichen-covered nest on a downward-sloping branch and raises two broods of two chicks each summer. Young fledge at 18-22 days. Adults begin southward migration in August-September, with most birds gone from Ontario by early October.
Ecology
Native Habitats
Details
Description
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is Ontario's only breeding hummingbird and the sole hummingbird species east of the Mississippi River. It is tiny: 7-9 cm long, with an 8-11 cm wingspan and weighing just 2-6 g. Adults are metallic green above and greyish-white below, with a long, slender bill adapted for probing tubular flowers.
Males are distinguished by a brilliant iridescent ruby-red gorget (throat patch) that appears black from many angles, and a forked black tail. Females lack the red gorget, have a white throat, and a notched tail with white-tipped outer feathers. The species is the most populous hummingbird in North America, with an estimated 34-36 million individuals, although recent surveys indicate a 17% population decline.
Lifecycle
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds undertake one of the most remarkable migrations in the animal kingdom. After wintering in Central America, Mexico, and Florida, they migrate north in spring, with some individuals making a nonstop 800 km flight across the Gulf of Mexico — a 20-hour journey powered entirely by fat reserves accumulated before departure. They arrive in Ontario by early May.
Males establish feeding territories and perform elaborate courtship displays: a U-shaped dive display rising 2.5-3 m above the female, combined with rapid horizontal arcs. The female alone builds the nest — a tiny, expandable cup of plant down, bud scales, and lichen, bound with spider silk and placed on a downward-sloping branch 3-12 m above ground. Two white eggs (pea-sized) are laid; the female incubates for 12-14 days and feeds the chicks by regurgitation while hovering. Young fledge at 18-22 days. Most females raise two broods per summer.
Adults begin southward migration in August-September, with virtually all birds departed from Ontario by early October. Males precede females and juveniles. The oldest known banded individual lived 9 years and 1 month.
Ecology
Nectar is the primary energy source, obtained from tubular red, orange, and pink flowers. The hummingbird's hovering flight — unique among birds — enables it to feed while suspended in mid-air, its wings beating up to 80 times per second. It shows a preference for trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), bee balm (Monarda), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), and jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). It also visits Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa).
Small insects and spiders provide essential protein, particularly during the breeding season when they are fed to growing nestlings. The hummingbird's metabolic rate is among the highest of any animal: heart rates can reach 1,260 beats per minute and breathing rates 250 breaths per minute at rest. On cold nights, they enter hypothermic torpor to conserve energy.
Predators include Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, domestic cats, and large praying mantises. Nests are vulnerable to Blue Jays, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Habitat
Breeds in deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, orchards, gardens, and riparian corridors throughout eastern North America. In Ontario, it is widespread south of the boreal shield, nesting in virtually any habitat with suitable nectar sources and nest sites. It is a familiar visitor to gardens with hummingbird feeders and native plantings. During migration, it uses coastal and riparian corridors.