Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a vibrant and agile bird, renowned for its iridescent green plumage and distinctive ruby-red throat patch found in males. As the sole hummingbird species regularly found in Quebec, it captivates birdwatchers with its remarkable hovering ability and rapid wing beats.
| 🇫🇷 | Colibri à gorge rubis |
| 🇩🇪 | Rubinkehlkolibri |
| 🇲🇽 | Colibrí de garganta roja |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
How to Identify
Hummingbirds exhibit a distinctive flight pattern, characterized by their ability to hover in place and move vertically. They often perform these maneuvers around the flowers they feed on. Notably, only the males possess the striking red throat patch, which can appear black from certain angles.
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Characteristics
| Length | 7-9cm |
| Weight | 2-6g |
| Wingspan | 8-11cm |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 eggs |
| Incubation | 14-16 days |
| Fledging | 18-22 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
I have observed this species on three occasions: once in a wetland near Bromont, Quebec, and another time at Parc des Rapides, Lachine and in Jardin Botanique de Montréal. In both instances, the birds were seen around a dense bush-like plant with orange flowers.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | - | x | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.