The Hummingbird Central website tracks the annual spring hummingbird migration in North America with the help of its viewers as they submit their first hummingbird sightings from their locales.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The only hummingbird found consistently all over the Eastern U.S. and Canada.
Ruby-throats gather in Florida, Louisiana and along the South Texas coast in September in preparation for the final push to the south, either over the Gulf of Mexico or via an overland route through Mexico.
First arrivals in the spring, usually males, are back in Texas and Louisiana in late February to mid-March. In more northern states and Canadian provinces, first arrivals are not until April or May.
While most will migrate to Mexico and further south, some Ruby-throats do spend the winter along the U.S. Gulf Coast, from Texas to Florida, and some along the southern Atlantic coastal regions.
Lifespan of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The average life span is estimated by experts to be 3 – 5 years. Most deaths occur in the first year of life. The record age of a banded ruby-throated hummingbird is 6 years, 11 months.
Characteristics and Identification
The Ruby-throated and Broad-tailed are similar in many ways. But they occupy separate ranges, Ruby-throats in the Eastern US and Broad-tails in the Western US.
And the red gorget of the male Ruby-throat can appear black in certain light and at certain angles, as seen in the comparison photos below.
The “classic” view (left) of the adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird features a beautiful ruby, or red, gorget (throat). Yet a quick turn of the head, or a change of the angle/intensity of the lighting, can change the gorget to black (right)!
The feathers of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird contain no pigment. So in bright light it appears an iridescent red, while in poor light the gorget can appear black. The black gorget can make some nature lovers assume they are seeing a Black-chinned Hummingbird. When seeing a hummingbird like this, be sure to check normal species range maps to see what type of bird typically appears in your area (see map below).
The adult male has a brilliant ruby red throat (gorget), black chin, and a deeply notched, forked tail. Males use a repeating “pendulum” arch of flight to attract females.
The female’s throat is white, and immature males are similar in color to the female. The female body is slender, with a blunt, rounded tail with white corners. When perched, the tail is slightly longer than the folded wingtips.
Included below is a map showing the average spring migration arrival dates for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in North America . Arrival dates vary from year to year and from location to location, depending on a number of weather-related conditions and other environmental factors.  |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird enjoying necar from California Giant Zinnias! |
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| Ruby-throated Hummingbird . yes, it IS my feeder! |
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| Young male Ruby-throated Hummingbird |
| Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird at feeder in San Antonio, Texas | |||||
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Step-by-Step Instruction to Draw a Ruby Throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species of hummingbird that breeds in eastern North America (Source: Audubon) These birds are known for their iridescent green feathers on their back and a bright red throat, called a gorget, on males (Source: National Geographic) Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have an average wingspan of 3-4 inches and can flap their wings up to 53 times per second, allowing them to hover and fly in place (Source: All About Birds) To accurately draw a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, it is important to capture their long, thin beak and the curve of their body, which has a distinct pear-like shape (Source: Dummies) When coloring your drawing, keep in mind that the iridescent feathers of these birds can appear different shades of green, blue, and red depending on the angle and light conditions (Source: World Birds) Materials And PreparationRequired Materials For Drawing A Ruby Throated HummingbirdWhen it comes to creating an artistic masterpiece, it’s important to have the right materials available. To draw a vibrant ruby throated hummingbird, you’ll need the following items:
Tips For Setting Up An Ideal WorkspaceCreating a comfortable and functional workspace is essential to ensure you can concentrate without any distractions.
Here are some tips for setting up an ideal workspace:
Importance Of Proper PreparationProper preparation is essential to create a stunning ruby throated hummingbird drawing. Here are some steps to follow before you start the drawing process:
Remember, with these basic steps in mind and correct use of materials your finished draw of a ruby throated hummingbird is sure to be a masterpiece. Steps For Drawing A Ruby Throated HummingbirdHave you ever wanted to draw a beautiful ruby throated hummingbird? These tiny creatures are fascinating and can make for a great subject for your next drawing project. Here are the steps you can follow to draw a realistic and detailed hummingbird: Step 1: Sketching The OutlineBefore you start adding details to your drawing, you need to create a rough outline of the hummingbird. Begin by sketching the general shape of the bird with a light hand. Once you have an outline, you can start adding more defined details. Step 2: Adding Body DetailsNow that you have the outline in place, you can start bringing your hummingbird to life by adding more body details. Add the feathers by creating a series of overlapping ovals on the body. You can also add the feet and tail to complete the body. Step 3: Drawing The Head And BeakThe head and beak of the ruby throated hummingbird are the most identifiable parts of this bird. Sketch the head and add details such as the eyes, beak, and the feathers on the head. Make sure you pay attention to every detail of the head and beak to get the drawing just right. Step 4: Creating Intricate Wing DetailsThe wings of the ruby throated hummingbird can be one of the most challenging parts to draw. Start by sketching the basic wing structure and adding the details such as the feathers. Make sure you focus on the patterns and the texture of the feathers. Step 5: Bringing Your Hummingbird To Life With ColorNow that your drawing is complete, it’s time to add color to your ruby throated hummingbird. These birds have a bright red throat, a green back, and white or gray belly. Take your time with the coloring, making sure to stay true to the real-life colors of these tiny birds. Drawing a ruby throated hummingbird requires patience, attention to detail, and practice. By following these steps and putting in the effort, you can create a beautiful and realistic drawing of this fascinating bird. How to Draw a Ruby Throated Hummingbird |
