OCTOBER 2014 • NEBRASKAland 13
Nebraska Bird Library
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Song or calls: Rapid, squeaky, chipping notes in flight.
Wings hum.
Description: Metallic green above. Adult male has
brilliant red throat and black chin; whitish underparts;
dusky-green sides and flanks; and short forked tail. Female
lacks red throat; has grayish-white underparts with a buffy
wash on the sides. Juveniles are similar to females, but
some males have golden cast on upperparts.
Habitat: Migrants can be seen in city gardens or other
areas with nectar-bearing flowers. Breeding done in
woodlands, orchards, and parks with large trees, flowering
herbs and shrubs.
Where in Nebraska: Uncommon to common spring and
fall migrant and summer resident in eastern parts of the
state. Breeding occurs along the forested Missouri River
valley. Vagrants occur in the west.
Fun Facts: The ruby-throated hummingbird flaps its
wings about 53 times a second making it seem like they
hover. Sexes appear to migrate separately with males first to
arrive and depart.
Additional Information: This is the only hummingbird
seen over much of the eastern United States. ■
To learn about more birds visit NebraskaBirdLibrary.org.
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Male red-throated
hummingbirds have
the striking red
throat ...
... while the
female of the
species does
not.
