Ruby Throated Hummingbirds

September is the best month in our area for hummingbirds. We have a feeder outside our dining room window and the hummingbirds are frequent entertainers as they feed. The males have the ruby throats and the females have a longer bill, but are less flashy.

I find hummingbirds fascinating and have included some interesting information below.

Physical Description

Average length: 3.5 inches (8.9 cm)

Average weight: 1/8 ounce (3.1 g)

Body temperature: 105°-108°F (40.5°-42.2°C)

Wing beats: 40-80 per second, average about 52

Respiration: 250 per minute

Heart rate: 250 beats/min resting; 1200 beats/min feeding

Flight speed: 30 mph (48 kph) normal; 50 mph (80 kph) escape; 63 mph (101 kph) dive
Plumage

Adult male: Emerald green back, iridescent ruby red gorget (throat) that may appear black under some lighting conditions, gray flanks, forked tail with no white. Smaller than the female.

Adult female: Emerald green back, white breast and throat, rounded tail with white tips. Larger than the male, with longer bill.

Coming in for a landing.

The iridescent throat is gorgeous when it catches the light. The hummers will be heading south to Mexico and the Caribbean soon.