Ruby-throated hummingbirds are very tiny. They are only three inches (7–8 cm) long with an 8–11 cm wingspan.
Their beaks are almost half as long as the rest of their bodies.
The Archilochus colubris is the only species of hummingbird that regularly nests east of the Mississippi River in North America.
With their long beaks and tongues ruby-throated hummingbirds are able to get the sweet nectar from deep down in flowers.
The species is dimorphic.
The male is smaller than the female, and has a slightly shorter beak.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds can fly forward, backward, or straight up and down. By keeping their wings moving very fast, they can also poise ín mid-air.
Muscles make up 25-30% of their body weight.
Their feet are frail and are used only for perching on fine twigs. These tiny birds never run or even walk.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds build very firm cup-shaped nests out of plant down and other soft materials.
Nectar from flowers and flowering trees, as well as small insects and spiders, are its main food.
The mother hummingbird lays two white eggs which are no larger than peas.
