JAN., 1909. BIRDS OF ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN -CORY. 



527 



Suborder TROCHILI. Hummingbirds. 



Family TROCHILID^. Hummingbirds. 



Hummingbirds are peculiar to America, ranging from Alaska 

 to southern South America. More than 400 species are recognized, 

 most of which are restricted to tropical parts of South and Central 

 America. Some 18 species occur in North America, but only one is 

 found in eastern United States. When flying the rapid movements 

 of the wings produce a distinct humming sound. The food consists 

 largely of insects, but they also eat the juices of flowers. 



Ruby-throated Hummingbird. 



Genus TROCHILUS Linn. 



202. Trochilus colubris LINN. 



RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. 



Distr.: Eastern North America, from the Great Plains to the 

 Atlantie coast, breeding from Labrador to Florida; south in winter 

 to Cuba and Mexico. 



Adult male: Upper plumage, golden green; wings and tail, dusky 

 brown, tinged with purple when held in the light; throat, metallic 



