BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
33 
Plate VII. 
TROCHILUS COLUBRIS, Linx.elts. 
Ruby-throated Humming-bird. 
The Ruby-throated Humming-bird is found tliroiighout Eastern 
North America as far ivest as the Missouri Valley, and thence nortlmard 
to the 57th parallel. It breeds from Florida and Western Texas to the 
plains of the Saskatchewan and the head-waters of the Elk River. 
From its winter-quarters in Guatemala and Mexico, it takes up its 
line of flight -when the season has fairly ojiened, reaching our southern 
frontiers late in March. Thence it slowly advances nortlmard in its 
migration, arriving in Ujiiier Georgia about the 10th of April ; in Penn- 
sylvania, from the last of Ajiril to the Middle of May, and in its north- 
ern habitats, during the last of May, or the beginning of June. 
For a brief season subsecpient to arrival the sexes remain apart, and 
seem only intent upon the procurement of food. This is e.specially the 
case in the Middle Atlantic States where their habits have been very 
closely observed. Here they make their ajipearance ndth the blossoms of 
the horse-chestnut and tuliii-tree, and may be seen at all hours of the 
day, in fair weather, delving into flowers for honeyed sweets, or probing 
their bosoms for the caitiffs within. In feeding, their movements resemble 
those of the hawk-moths. Gracefully they suspend themselves in mid-air 
before the opening flowers, ravish their hidden treasures, and, ivith almost 
the speed of an arrow let fly from a bended bow by some skilled archer, 
are off in an instant, possibly to more delectable vineyards, or to some 
shady nook for rest and contemplation. For agility and fleetness of motion 
the little Ruby-throat is certainly unsurpassed by any of our smaller 
feathered sjiecies. 
