If none are available, she alone builds a new nest in about 6 to 10 days. It is typically placed in a protected location in a shrub, bush or tree.įemale Ruby-throated Hummingbird may reuse old nests for several seasons, and repair them annually. The nest is generally constructed on a small, downward-sloping tree limb 10–60 feet (3 – 18 m) above the ground, with an average of about 15 feet (4.5 m). ![]() It is usually placed near or directly above water. The open cup nest is usually situated in deciduous and pine forests, but can also be found along the forest edges, in orchards or in gardens – sometimes even in odd places, such as loops of chains or on wire. The female alone is responsible for nesting and raising the young. There is no pair bond or male parental involvement for this species – the male’s only part in the reproductive process is the actual mating with the female. In all likelihood, the female will also mate with several males before egg-laying. The male will search for other females to copulate with, while the female returns to her breeding territory. After the act of mating, they will separate. The receptive female gives a “mew” call and positions herself with her tail feather cocked and her wings drooped allowing the male to mount her for breeding. During this display, the male’s wings beat up to 200 times per second – with normal speed being 55-75 beats per second.īefore mating occurs, the male and female face each other, alternately ascending about 10 feet (3 m) and descending before getting to the actual act of mating. Once the female is perched, the male will very quickly fly back and forth in front of her – in very rapid horizontal arcs less than 1.6 feet (0.5 m). The Ruby-throated Hummingbird male will flash his red throat feathers and perform a dive display, rising 8 – 10 feet (2.5 – 3 m) above and 5 – 6 feet (1.5 – 1.8 m) to each side of the female in looping dives. When a female enters his territory, the male performs a courtship display. In spring, the males return to the breeding area in central and eastern United States and southern Canada to establish territories before the females arrive. They typically breed between March through August, with peak breeding season occurring in mid-May. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are solitary and only come together to mate. General Ruby-throated Hummingbird Information (Distribution / Habitat / Description, Lifespan, etc.)
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