What does the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) eat?
Varies by species (e.g., Selasphorus rufus, Archilochus colubris)
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Open the appThe Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)'s diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.
Diet overview
Nectar, small insects, and spiders
How it forages
Primarily nectarivores, feeding on nectar from a wide variety of tubular flowers. They also consume small insects and spiders for protein, often caught in mid-air or gleaned from foliage. They are frequent visitors to hummingbird feeders.
When it feeds
Diurnal, most active during daylight hours, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
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