Ruby-throated
Hummingbird
(Archilochus colubris)
The ruby-throated hummingbird breeds throughout the eastern United States and Canada, and all across North Carolina. By early October, most individuals have migrated to their non-breeding quarters in Mexico and Central America. Some individuals, however, have been found throughout the fall and winter in North Carolina, particularly on the Outer Banks. Migrants begin returning to this area in late March.
This young male, from
Buxton in Jan. 1998, shows a few red feathers in the lower throat. Note
that young males show white tail spots.
photo: Sargents
Females, like this young one, show fairly large white tail spotting.
photo: Sargents
Adult males, like this one, have dark tail feathers with no white spots, and the tail looks forked. Note the abrasion on the tail feathers. This bird is from Hampstead, Jan. 1999
photo: Sargents
Adult females are green-backed and white underneath. This bird is at a feeder in Chatham Co., in summer
photo: Mike Dunn
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