See What I See: By The Ruby Throat, A Bird & Moth

Two male Ruby-throated hummingbirds in mid-joust.

This species of hummingbird mates in eastern Canada in the late Spring. It typically spends its winters in Mexico and Central America. They often make the flight over the Gulf of Mexico in one continuous flight.

Take a closer look

The wing feathers of a Ruby-throated hummingbird are an iridescent green colour. The speed at which their wings flap is approximately 55 flaps per second unless a male is courting a female. When this is occurring, the male will typically increase his wing beat to 200 flaps per second to gain her attention.

The feathers of a Ruby-throated hummingbird are a deep red colour at its throat, which is why they are commonly referred to as ruby.

See What I See:

Ruby-throated hummingbirds have very short legs and tiny feet. As a result, you don’t see them perched for very long. When they do perch, they can’t really walk or hop well. They will engage in (a sort of side) shuffle.

(The 2 photos above were taken with 10xs magnification.)

These birds prefer fast flying and because they have such a fast wing beat, the audible noise they make is a loud hum that cannot be mistaken.

That detail is also is why this bird is commonly referred to as a hummingbird.

(As you can see, they also ruthlessly protect their perceived territory.)

The Hummingbird Hawk Moth

Is just that, a moth, but they are often mistaken for the birds.

One mimics the other. Let’s have a look:

The moth is a little shorter in length and is generally a little smaller. They seem to be more “belly” heavy. The moth lacks a sap sucking beak but uses its very long tongue to lap nectar from tubular shaped flowers.

Mid-summer, 2019.

~ Rebecca