The Blur and the Buzz: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

I previously posted a video about the Ruby-throated Hummingbird to my YouTube channel:

What do Hummingbirds do in the Rain (youtube)

I’m now working on an updated version. Some recent footage that might be included in the new video below:

The tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) arrives in the Adirondacks in mid-May with a blur and a buzz. This is the only hummingbird that nests in the Eastern United States and they are approaching the northern extent of their range in the Adirondacks.

Critical to the ruby-throat's cold-weather survival is its ability to enter a state of torpor, a deep physiological inactivity akin to a temporary hibernation. When temperatures plummet, or when nectar sources dwindle, the topor state allows the hummingbird to drastically reduce its metabolic rate conserving precious energy reserves that would otherwise be rapidly depleted due to their high metabolism. This adaptation allows them to weather cold nights and lean periods, essentially hitting a pause button on their energetic demands until conditions improve.

However, torpor is not a viable solution for surviving prolonged cold. The primary strategy that enables ruby-throated hummingbirds to inhabit regions with harsh winters is their ability to migrate to warmer climates, primarily Central America. This often involves crossing the Gulf of Mexico, a testament to their endurance and navigational prowess.

During the summer breeding period, ruby-throats are fierce defenders of territories and food sources. Sitting on our porch we oftentimes see a flash and hear the high pitched whir of males chasing each other to establish dominance over the feeder in our yard. The winner then perches in nearby trees to keep an eye on things.