About Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.......
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is Minnesota’s most common specie of hummingbird. It breeds here and in the eastern half of North America. They have a high body temperature; fast heartbeat and rapid breathing rate so must consume about 2/3 of their body weight a day. A major portion of their diet is sugar derived from flower nectar and tree sap. They also need protein for muscle growth so they ingest insects and pollen. Their bills are long and tapered, suited for reaching the center of tubular flowers where nectar is taken up at the rate of about 13 licks per second. Their tongues have grooves on the side used to catch insects in the air and from leaves and spider webs. Their long translucent tongues are often seen licking the air, as they swoop down toward brightly colored flowers.
Ruby-throats are inquisitive and easily attracted to feeders. They will even swoop down to investigate red articles of clothing. Thus feeders with red parts are best when trying to attract them. They quickly become accustomed to human presence providing endless entertainment for all who take the time to watch.
There is much known about Ruby-Throats but much yet to learn and the Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah will attempt to learn more about their migratory routes and destinations. As part of the banding program to be launched in August, the research developed could tell where they travel and how they get there. Where do they stop for refueling before they cross the Gulf of Mexico? Exactly where is their winter home? Will the same hummingbirds return here to their nesting territory in the spring of 2010? These are just some of the questions that are being answered as the Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah research is put in place.
Detailed information about physical description, reproduction, lifespan/longevity, behavior, food habits, predation, ecosystems roles,communication and perception, conservation status, and other interesting facts can be found HERE.
