Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a very cute and very small bird. It is only 3 inches long. It is the only bird that can fly backwards, and even stay in the air as an helicopter. Its wings vibrate very fast (about 80 vibrations per second) while the bird produces a humming sound. That's where its name comes from! This bird does not stay in the Province of Québec during winter. When Fall comes, it migrates in the South and comes back with Spring.
Did you know that the Ruby-throated Hummingbird has no sense of smell? In fact, what attracts it to flowers is not their odor, but their bright red color. That is why feeders for Hummingbirds are red. Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a long thin bill, which serves him to get the nectar out of the flowers. The male's throat is bright red, his back is iridescent green and his tail is forked. Hiss head has a black stain, which goes from the bill to the bottom side of the eye. His bust and the middle of his belly are white. The female's throat is not red nor is her tail forked; it has a more round feature. Ruby-throated Hummingbird's egg is as little as a pea!
Many mothers will say that their adolescents are just like Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. They move faster and eat more often than anybody else. They always fight and have problems sharing. But they are so beautiful to look at!
