Ruby-throated Hummingbird -- South Dakota Birds

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird commonly found in the eastern United States, and is the only hummingbird commonly found in the eastern half of South Dakota.  While only rarely found breeding in South Dakota, they can be found as summer visitors and migrants, primarily in the extreme eastern portion of the state.  The Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates non-stop across teh Gulf of Mexico to its normal wintering grounds in Central America.  A female is pictured in the photo on the right, and lacks the deep ruby-throat of the male which gives the species its name.  Additional photos, including those of a male, can be found at the bottom of the page.

Habitat: Can be found in a wide variety of semi-open habitats with suitable feeding locations.  .

Diet: Feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.  Also will take a variety of small insects and spiders.  They occasionally have been found feeding on the sap wells created by the various species of sapsuckers.

Nesting: June through August

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Song

Migrations: Summers throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and extreme southern Canada.  Primarily winters in Mexico and Central America.

Feeders: Will attend feeders for sugar water.  Will attend flower gardens for nectar.

Similar Species: Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird

Status: Generally stable throughout its range.

Further Information: 1)  Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Ruby-throated Hummingbird

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Ruby-throated Hummingbird"

3) eNature.com: Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Photo Information: September 5th, 2004 -- Brandon -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Ruby-throated Hummingbird photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08