Animal Profiles
Birds

Hummingbird

Trochilidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Hummingbirds are tiny nectar-feeding birds. This account describes the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), a migrant linking eastern North American breeding grounds with warmer wintering areas.

Archilochus colubris (hummingbird)

Representative species: Archilochus colubris.

jeffreyw · CC BY

At a glance

Habitat
Temperate forest, Towns and cities
Diet
Nectarivore
Food
Nectar and small insects.

Classification

Common name
Hummingbird
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Trochilidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Apodiformes
Family
Trochilidae
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Only adult males have the bright red throat.
  • It eats insects as well as nectar.
  • Cold nights can trigger energy-saving torpor.

Habitat and range

The species breeds in eastern North America and winters mainly in Mexico and Central America. Woodland edges, gardens and flowering landscapes provide feeding places in different seasons.

Appearance and adaptations

Green upperparts contrast with a pale underside. Males have an iridescent red throat, whereas females have a pale throat and white-tipped outer tail feathers.

Diet and behaviour

Nectar provides energy, while small insects supply additional nutrients. Individuals can defend feeding territories. In cold conditions they may lower their metabolic activity in torpor, reducing overnight energy needs.

Sources

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