Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is small and fast. It is the only species of hummingbird found in Minnesota. With such a high metabolism this bird is most likely found humming around brightly-colored flowers.

Range

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only commonly found hummingbird in the eastern United States. During summer they can be found as far north as Canada to as far south as Florida. They migrate to Mexico and southern North America for the winter.

Habitat

These little birds are found in coniferous and deciduous forests as well as forest edges. They can also be seen around gardens, or brightly-colored native flowers.

Diet/Food Requirements

They primarily eat nectar from flowers and trees, but may also eat small insects. They use their long "beak" and tongue to lap up nectar inside flowers; this not only gives them their food requirements, but also helps pollinate the flowers as they visit consecutive plants.

References:
Dunn, J.L. and Alderfer, J; Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Fifth Edition, National Geographic.