Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris Apr–Oct

The only hummingbird species that breeds in eastern North America, the male has ruby colored throat feathers, while the female is a uniform light gray below and iridescent green on top. They produce a buzzing sound with their wings and can be mistaken for bumblebees as their main source of food is nectar from red and orange elongated flowers, such as jewelweed. These birds are able to move in any direction, even backwards, and hover as if standing still, all at a moment's notice. Once the breeding season ends, they migrate south to Central America.

Keep an eye out for hummingbird nests starting mid-May. About the size of a walnut half shell, they can appear like a growth or knot on the branch as they are camouflaged on the outside with bits of lichen or moss. A feat of engineering, the nest is made out of down from thistles and dandelions, held together by spider silk or pine resin.