(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.

Females, like this young one, show fairly large white tail spotting.