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The Ruby Throated Hummingbird; Facts and Fiction

© Glenda Gibbons

Did You Know?

Female ruby throated hummingbirds are larger by at least 15% than their male counterparts. Their normal speed during flight is around 25 mph, but they have been known to reach speeds of up to 40 mph. While all this is happening, those little wings are beating at about 60 to 80 times per second, all the way up to 200 beats per second during their higher speeds. The birds are highly suited for flight, with 25% of their body weight being composed of flight muscles.

The normal body temperature for a ruby throated hummingbird is 105- 108 degrees Farenheight (40.5 degrees C). But on cold nights the birds can lower their body temperature to 85%, thus saving energy. When morning comes, they can speed up their metabolism and quickly regain their normal body temperature.

Would you believe that the ruby throated hummingbird eats up to its own weight each day in floral nectars and sugar water? They also eat very small insects such as gnats for protein. Meals are taken about every six minutes. The tiny birds drink the nectar for about one half to one full minute. No wonder it's always such fun to see a hummingbird! I have often mistaken a ruby throated hummingbird for a very large flying bumblebee. What a thrill to find that it's really a bird!!

Did you know that most hummingbirds die within their first year of life? A lot of this happens due to the "glass-window" syndrome. I have had this happen with my own living room window. Two ruby throated hummingbirds flew right into my picture window. Unfortunately, the female died, but I was able to revive the male. Hummingbirds mate for life, so now this little guy was a widower. I felt terrible, and began to research the subject of birds flying into windows and injuring or killing themselves. I was sickened by what I learned. This happens much more often than anyone is aware of. I have seen photos of hundreds of dead birds that have flown into clear windows. During daylight hours, the hummingbird is particularly susceptible. This can be easily remedied. Hang sun catchers on the windows and/or have blinds partially drawn. Without this and other obstacles, it is possible for a ruby throated hummingbird to live an average of three years, some as long as seven. The oldest known ruby throated, is listed to be nine years old.

The copyright of the article The Ruby Throated Hummingbird; Facts and Fiction in Tropical Birds is owned by Glenda Gibbons. Permission to republish The Ruby Throated Hummingbird; Facts and Fiction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.