Quick answer
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are birds found across North America. A tiny hovering bird with a blazing throat. Adults typically weigh 2–6 g (about a penny), reach speeds of 50 km/h (30 mph) in flight, and live 3–5 years. They feed on nectarivore (also small insects) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Breeds across eastern North America and migrates to Central America for winter.
Key takeaway
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are birds found across North America. A tiny hovering bird with a blazing throat. Adults typically weigh 2–6 g (about a penny), reach speeds of 50 km/h (30 mph) in flight, and live 3–5 years. They feed on nectarivore (also small insects) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Breeds across eastern North America and migrates to Central America for winter.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird overview
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 2–6 g (about a penny); lifespan around 3–5 years.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird ecology
Diet: Nectarivore (also small insects). Habitat: Gardens, woodlands, meadows. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild ruby-throated hummingbirds are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Ruby-throated Hummingbird profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds inhabit Breeds across eastern North America and migrates to Central America for winter. Their preferred habitat includes gardens, woodlands, meadows, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persistence across North America.
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult ruby-throated hummingbirds typically measure about 0.09 m in length and weigh 2–6 g (about a penny). They can sprint at 50 km/h (30 mph) in flight when hunting or escaping predators. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are known for a tiny hovering bird with a blazing throat — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Ruby-throated Hummingbird FAQs
What are key facts about ruby-throated hummingbirds?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are birds found across North America. A tiny hovering bird with a blazing throat. Adults typically weigh 2–6 g (about a penny), reach speeds of 50 km/h (30 mph) in flight, and live 3–5 years. They feed on nectarivore (also small insects) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Breeds across eastern North America and migrates to Central America for winter.
What is the scientific name of the ruby-throated hummingbird?
Archilochus colubris — used in research and conservation listings for ruby-throated hummingbirds.
What do ruby-throated hummingbirds eat?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds eat also small insects, with seasonal and regional variation in Gardens, woodlands, meadows.
Where do ruby-throated hummingbirds live?
They are associated with Gardens, woodlands, meadows. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of ruby-throated hummingbirds?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.