RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. 



428. Archilochus colubris. 3V2 inches. 



This little gem is the only one of the family found 

 within the territory included in this book. Owners of 

 flower gardens have the best of opportunities to study 

 these winged jewels, on their many trips to and fro 

 for honey, or the insects that are also attracted there- 

 by. With whirring wings, they remain suspended be- 

 fore a blossom, then — buzz — and they are examining 

 the next, with bill lost within the sweet depths. Their 

 temper is all out of proportion to their size, for they 

 will dash at an intruder about their moss-covered home 

 as though they would pierce him like a bullet. Their 

 angry twitters and squeaks are amusing and surprising, 

 as are their excitable actions. 



Nest. — A most beautiful creation of plant fibres and 

 cobwebs adorned with lichens and resembling a little 

 tuft of moss upon the bough on which it is placed. In 

 June two tiny white eggs are laid (.50 x .35). 



Rang'e. — N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from the 

 Gulf north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters south 

 of U. S. 



