336 
HUMMINGBIRDS 
Several species inhabit the depths of dark tropical forests, but, as a 
rule, they are found with the flowers which bloom in the clearings, or 
far overhead in the sunlight. They are not gregarious, but an abundance 
of food sometimes brings large numbers of them together, when the 
air becomes animated with their rapidly moving forms. The smaller 
species fly so swiftly that their wings are lost in hazy circles, and it is 
difficult for the human eye to follow their course. The flight of the 
larger species is less insect like, and each wing-beat can be detected. 
As a rule their voice is a weak squeak or excited chippering, but some of 
the tropical species have songs of decided character which they sing 
with much energy. 
Hummingbirds feed largely on insects, which they generally capture 
in flowers, but many species catch insects on the wing or pick them 
from beneath leaves. They also feed on the juices of flowers. The nest is 
usually composed of plant down, bound about with spiders’ webs and 
covered with lichens skilfully attached to a limb or leaf, and is as 
exquisitely dainty in appearance as its maker. All the species whose 
nesting habits are known lay two white eggs. The period of incubation 
with our Ruby-throat is fourteen days. The young are naked when 
hatched, but a mere breath of down precedes the growth of the 
juvenal plumage. 
Strangely enough, these beautiful little creatures are possessed of 
a most unfortunate disposition, which frequently leads them to attack 
any bird they fancy is trespassing on their domain. They know no 
fear, and with equal courage rush at one of their kind or a passing 
Hawk. 
1892. Ridgway, R., Rep. U. S. N. M., for 1890, 253-383. (Monographic.) 
428. Archilochus eolubris {Linn.). Ruby-throated Hummingbird. 
(Fig. 57.) Ad. cf. — Upperparts bright, shining green; wings and tail fuscous, 
with purplish reflections; throat beautiful metallic ruby-red, bordered on 
the breast by whitish; rest of the underparts dusky, washed with greenish 
on the sides; tail forked. Ad. $. — No ruby throat-patch; bronzy green 
above, whitish below; tail nearly even, outer three feathers tipped with 
white. Im. cf. — Similar to $, but throat with dusky streaks, and, in older 
birds, with ruby colored feathers. L., 3*74; W., 1*54; T., 1*15; B., *67. 
Range. — E. N. Am. Breeds from se. Sask., cen. Que., and Cape Breton 
Is. s. to Gulf coast and Fla., w. to N. D., Nebr., Kans., and cen. Tex.; winters 
from middle and s. Fla., and La. through s. Mex. and Cen. Am. to Panama; 
casual in Cuba in migration. 
Washington, common S. R., Apl. 23-Oct. 18. Ossining, common S. R., 
Apl. 30-Oct. 3. Cambridge, very common T. V., uncommon S. R., May 10- 
Sept. 20. N. Ohio, common S. R., May 1-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn, rare S. R., 
May 1-Sept. 22. SE. Minm, common S. R., May 19-Oct. 8. 
Nest, of plant down, covered externally with lichens and firmly wound 
with almost invisible plant fibers; generally 15-25 feet up, saddled on a limb. 
Eggs, 2, white, *50 x *35. Date, Lafayette Co., Miss., May 6; Iredell Co., 
N. C., May 11; Ossining, N. Y., May 20; Cambridge, May 24. 
The Ruby-throat needs no song. Its beauty gives it distinction, 
and its # wings make music. Its only note, so far as I know, is a squeak, 
expressive of distrust or excitement. It has no rival in eastern North 
