HUMMINGBIRDS 
428. Ruby-throated 
Hummingbird. 
Archilochus colubris. 
Range — North America east 
of the Plains and north to 
Labrador. 
This is the only represen- 
tative of the family found 
east of the Mississippi. It is 
a small species, 3.5 inches 
long, with greenish upper 
parts and a bright ruby throat. 
Its nest is as beautiful, if not 
more so, than that of any 
other species. They build 
their nests on horizontal 
limbs of trees at any height 
from the ground, but usually 
more than six feet. Branches 
an inch or more in diameter 
are usually selected, they not 
being particular as to the 
kind of tree, but oaks, pines 
and maples perhaps being 
used the most often. The 
nests are made of plant fibres 
and down, and the exterior is 
completely covered with green 
lichens so that it appears like 
a small bunch of moss on the 
limb. The two white eggs are 
laid in May or June; size .50 
x .35. 
Ruby-fhrqated Hummingbird 
429- Black-chinned Hummingbird. Archilochus alexandri. 
Range. — North America west of the Rocky Mountains; north to British Colum- 
bia; winters south of the United States. 
Similar in size and appearance to the Ruby-throat, but with the chin and 
upper throat black, the 
rest of the throat gorget 
being violet or amethyst. 
It is an abundant species 
in summer in Many locali- 
ties, especially fi the south- 
ern half of its range. They 
build their nests at low ele- 
vations, rarely above ten 
on small branches or 
the fork at the end of a 
limb. Thb nests are made 
of yellowish plant fibres 
and are not covered with 
lichens, so that they have 
a peculiar spongy appear- 
ance. Eggs indistinguish- 
able from those of the 
Ruby-throat. Laid during 
April, May or June. 
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