Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Kari Kirschbaum, Marie S. Harris, Robert Naumann
Some rights reserved

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are solitary. Adults of this species typically only come into contact for the purpose of mating. Males of this species are territorial, and communicate with each other primarily through vocalizations. If a neighboring male intrudes on a male’ territory, the resident male emits a single note, which is repeated at increasing volume. If the intruder does not leave the territory, the resident male will chase him, and if needed, jab him with his bill or strike with his feet.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are diurnal. They are active during the day. In cold conditions, particularly on cold nights, ruby-throated hummingbirds save energy by entering hypothermic torpor. Hypothermic torpor is a state similar to hibernation in which the body is allowed to cool down several degrees, and body functions slow down to conserve energy.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate between breeding and wintering grounds. Many ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate as far as 1,600 km roundtrip each year, flying non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico. In order to complete this grueling journey, these hummingbirds often double their body mass before beginning migration. The return flight to breeding grounds is timed so that arrival coincides with flowering of food plants in a given region. (Robinson, Sargent, and Sargent, 1996)

Home Range

There is no information available about the home range of this species at this time. (Robinson, Sargent, and Sargent, 1996)

Communication and Perception

Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Kari Kirschbaum, Marie S. Harris, Robert Naumann
Some rights reserved

Ruby-throated hummingbirds use tactile and visual cues, vocalizations and perhaps olfactory cues to communicate and perceive their environment. In addition to the visible light spectrum, ruby-throated hummingbirds can see in the blue-violet range and near UV (370 to 570 nm). This ability may help them find and identify flowers that are potential food sources. Ruby-throated hummingbirds may also be able to find and discriminate between food sources using olfactory cues.

The vocalizations of ruby-throated hummingbirds are rapid, squeaky chips, and are used primarily for agonistic threats. For example, males may vocalize to warn another male that has entered their territory. If vocalizations are not effective, males will chase other males out of their territory, striking them with their feet or bill when necessary. (Robinson, Sargent, and Sargent, 1996)