Celebrating the Spring Return of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Jim Hawk
Apr 22
4 min read

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Every spring, Middle Tennessee welcomes one of its most dazzling visitors: the Ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). These tiny birds bring a burst of life and color to gardens and woodlands as they return from their wintering grounds. As a native gardener, I find their arrival a special sign of the season’s change and a reminder of the delicate balance in our local ecosystems. Let’s explore what makes the Ruby-throated hummingbird so fascinating and how we can support these remarkable creatures in our own backyards.

Appearance and Identification

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is a small bird, measuring about 3 to 3.5 inches long with a wingspan of 3.1 to 4.3 inches. The males are especially striking, with an iridescent ruby-red throat patch that shines brilliantly in sunlight. Their backs and heads are metallic green, while their underparts are white or light gray. Females lack the red throat but have a similar green back and white chest, making them a bit harder to spot at first glance.

One way to identify these hummingbirds is by their rapid wing beats, which create a humming sound—hence their name. They hover with remarkable agility, darting quickly from flower to flower. Their long, slender bills are perfectly adapted for reaching deep into tubular flowers.

Habitat and Range in Middle Tennessee

Ruby-throated hummingbirds thrive in a variety of habitats across Middle Tennessee. They favor open woodlands, forest edges, gardens, and parks where flowering plants are abundant. Native deciduous forests with clearings provide ideal nesting spots and feeding opportunities.

During spring and summer, these hummingbirds are common throughout the region. They prefer areas with a mix of trees and flowering plants, which supply both nectar and insects. Gardens with native flowers, shrubs, and trees create excellent habitat patches that attract and sustain them.

Seasonal Behavior and Migration Patterns

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is a long-distance migrant. Each spring, they travel from their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico to breed in the eastern United States, including Middle Tennessee. Their migration is a remarkable feat, often involving a nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, covering up to 500 miles in a single stretch.

In Middle Tennessee, these hummingbirds typically arrive in late March or early April. They stay through the summer, raising their young and feeding on abundant nectar sources. By late August or early September, they begin their southward migration to warmer climates.

Diet and Foraging Habits

Ruby-throated hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, which provides them with the energy needed for their high metabolism and rapid wing beats. They prefer tubular flowers rich in sugar, such as bee balm, trumpet creeper, and cardinal flower. In addition to nectar, they consume small insects and spiders for protein, which is essential during breeding and raising young.

I’ve noticed they favor native plants over exotic species. This preference highlights the importance of planting native flowers to support their diet. They also visit hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water, but it’s crucial to keep feeders clean and use the right sugar-to-water ratio (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) to avoid harming the birds.

Nesting and Raising Young

Female Ruby-throated hummingbirds build tiny cup-shaped nests using soft plant fibers, spider silk, and bits of leaves. These nests are usually placed on slender branches of deciduous trees or shrubs, often 5 to 20 feet above the ground. The spider silk allows the nest to stretch as the chicks grow.

The female lays two tiny white eggs and incubates them for about two weeks. After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for another 18 to 22 days before fledging. During this time, the mother feeds them a diet rich in insects and nectar. It’s fascinating to watch how quickly these young birds develop and prepare for their first migration.

How Native Gardeners Can Support the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

As gardeners, we can play a vital role in supporting Ruby-throated hummingbirds by creating welcoming habitats. Here are some practical ways to help:

Plant native flowering species that bloom at different times to provide a continuous nectar source throughout the season.
Avoid pesticides and herbicides that can harm hummingbirds and their insect food supply.
Provide fresh water with shallow birdbaths or misters for drinking and bathing.
Set up hummingbird feeders with clean sugar water, changing it every few days to prevent mold.
Include shrubs and trees that offer safe nesting sites and shelter.

By focusing on native plants and safe gardening practices, we create a healthier environment not only for hummingbirds but for many other pollinators and wildlife.

How to Observe Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in Your Neighborhood

Watching these tiny birds can be a joyful experience. To increase your chances of spotting them:

Spend quiet time near flowering plants during early morning or late afternoon when hummingbirds are most active.
Use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe without disturbing them.
Set up a hummingbird feeder in a visible spot near a window or patio.
Be patient and still, as sudden movements can scare them away.

I often find that simply sitting quietly in my garden with a glass of water or a Coca-Cola allows me to enjoy their acrobatic flights and vibrant colors up close.

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Sound Credit:

Brian Hendrix, XC588003. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/588003.

Image Credit:

I'm all green thumbs so this Image was generated with Google AI.