Archilochus colubris
A seasonal tiny 3 – 3 1/2 inch bird that migrates to Virginia from April – October.
Males are bright, iridescent green bird with a “ruby” red throat that looks black until the sun hits it, with white undersides.
Females are similar but lack the dark ruby throat.
Juveniles are the same as females.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds eat insects, pollen and nectar, made of 4 parts water and 1 part raw sugar*. They will visit nectar feeders and are attracted to red flowers. The smallest bird in Virginia weighing only 2 – 3 grams. They spend the winter, in Mexico and South America.
*Never use red dyes or pre-made nectar