HUMMINGBIRDS 



(428) Archilochus colubris 



{Linn.) 



RUBY-THROATED HUM- 

 MINGBIRD. The only humming- 

 bird found in the east. Plumage 

 as shown, the c? being the upper 

 bird. The 9 differs in having the 

 throat white instead of brilliant, 

 fiery, metallic rub}'. The back is a 

 rich, lustrous, metallic green with 

 bronze reflections. The primaries 

 and tail are purplish-black, that of 

 the if being forked whUe that of his 

 mate is rounded and white tipped as 

 shown. L., 3.25; W., 1.75; T., 1.25; 

 B.,.65. Nest — Of plant fibres, moss 

 and lichens saddled on horizontal 

 limbs at any height; two dull w-hite 

 eggs, .50 X .35. 



Range — Breeds from Quebec and 

 Sask. south to the Gulf. 



western mountains, where they make their homes on inac- 

 cessible cHffs, the nests, made of vegetable matter glued 

 together by sali\-a, being firmly attached to the rock. 



RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS, our only east- 

 ern representative of this brilliant family, are not uncom- 

 mon in summer throughout our range. Little winged jewels, 

 with body no bigger than the thumb nail and a temper greater 

 than that of the Condor, they are objects for admiration 

 and astonishment. Their flight appears to be almost bttllet- 

 like, yet they can halt instantly, even when travelling at 

 their swiftest. If they catch us in the act of examining the 

 treasures in the exquisite little house they perch on the top 

 of a limb, so like a bit of moss, they will dash at our face 

 as though to transfix us; we invariably close our eyes and 

 dodge, but the mite stops a few inches from our face, twitter- 

 ing in anger, and then as suddenly dashes away. While 

 they feed to some extent upon nectar of certain long-tubed 

 flowers, they get a great many small insects that they find 

 also feeding there. 



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