RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. 
428. Archilochus colubris. 3% 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 ee 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 egys are laid (.50 x .35). 
Range.—N. A. east of the Rockies, breeding from the 
Gulf north to Labrador and Hudson Bay; winters south 
of U.S 
