How to identify the Ruby-throated Hummingbird

To correctly identify the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 in)

Wingspan

8-11 cm (3.1-4.3 in)

Weight

2-6 g (0.07-0.21 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Males have iridescent green backs and flanks, a white belly, and a brilliant, iridescent ruby-red gorget (throat patch) that can appear black in poor light. Females and juveniles have iridescent green backs, white underparts, and lack the ruby gorget; their throats are typically white or pale buff, sometimes with faint dusky streaking. Both sexes have a forked tail, though it is more deeply forked in males.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, slender, straight, and needle-like, black in color, adapted for probing deep into flowers.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown to black.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black, very short and weak, primarily used for perching.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The male's vibrant ruby-red gorget is unmistakable. The small size, rapid wing beat (up to 50-80 beats/second), and hovering flight are characteristic of all hummingbirds. The relatively short, slightly forked tail is a key feature for distinguishing it from other hummingbirds in its range.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juvenile males resemble adult females, having a white throat, sometimes with dusky streaking. Young males may begin to show a few iridescent red feathers on their throat by late summer or early fall. Juvenile females are very similar to adult females.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes beyond the development of the gorget in young males. Breeding and non-breeding plumages are essentially the same.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Males possess a bright ruby-red gorget and a more deeply forked tail. Females lack the gorget and have a white throat, often with dusky streaking, and a less deeply forked tail with white tips on the outer tail feathers.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Very small, compact body with a relatively short tail and long, straight bill. Typical hummingbird shape.
• Male Plumage. Look for the iridescent ruby-red throat (gorget) that can appear black in certain light, contrasting with a white belly and iridescent green back. Tail is deeply forked.
• Female/Juvenile Plumage. Look for iridescent green back, white underparts, and a plain white or pale buff throat (sometimes with faint dusky streaking). Tail is less deeply forked than males, with white tips on outer tail feathers.
• Flight Style. Rapid, buzzing wing beats and ability to hover, fly backward, and change direction instantly. Often seen darting quickly between flowers or feeders.
• Vocalizations. Listen for sharp 'chew' or 'chip' calls, especially during territorial interactions. The buzzing sound of their wings is also distinctive.
• Geographic Range. If observed in eastern North America, especially during the breeding season, it is almost certainly a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, as it is the only regularly breeding species in this region.

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