As you approach our pier, you’ll quickly notice our numerous hummingbird feeders – and, chances are you’ll see one or our special visitors. The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is Maryland’s only breeding hummingbird species, bringing a vibrant energy and remarkable grace to our marina. These tiny aerial acrobats are among nature’s most fascinating creatures, and Maryland provides ideal habitat for both breeding populations and migrating birds from mid-April onwards. We hope the feeders help :-0)
Physical Characteristics
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are remarkably small, measuring just 3-4 inches in length with a wingspan of 3-4 inches and weighing only 2-6 grams—less than a penny. Their light weight lowers flight energy requirements. Males are distinguished by their brilliant iridescent ruby-red throat patch (called a gorget), emerald green back, and white breast. Females lack the red throat, instead displaying a white throat often with faint streaking, and have white-tipped outer tail feathers.
Both sexes share the characteristic long, needle-like bill perfectly adapted for reaching deep into flowers, and wings that beat an incredible 50-80 times per second, creating their distinctive humming sound. Believe it or not, they also can develop joint arthritis!
Migration Patterns in Maryland
Maryland sits along a crucial flyway for ruby-throated hummingbirds during their epic migrations. These remarkable journeys showcase one of nature’s most impressive feats of endurance.
- Spring Arrival: Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically arrive in Maryland between mid-April and early May, with males arriving first to establish territories. Peak migration occurs in late April through mid-May.
- Fall Departure: The southward migration begins surprisingly early, with some birds starting their journey in July. Peak fall migration occurs from mid-August through September, with stragglers sometimes spotted into early October.
- The Gulf Crossing: Perhaps most remarkably, many of Maryland’s ruby-throated hummingbirds undertake a non-stop 500-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico during migration—an incredible feat for a bird weighing less than a nickel.
Habitat and Distribution
These hummingbirds can be found statewide, from the Appalachian mountains in western Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay region and Eastern Shore. They’re equally at home in Baltimore’s urban gardens and the deep forests of Garrett County:
- Deciduous and mixed forests
- Forest edges and clearings
- Suburban gardens with flowering plants
- Parks and nature preserves
- Stream corridors and wetland edges
- The ICYC Marina :-0)
Feeding Behavior and Diet
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have extraordinary energy requirements, with hearts beating up to 1,260 times per minute during flight. Their diet consists primarily of:
- Nectar: Their primary energy source, obtained from both native wildflowers and garden plants. They show strong preferences for tubular, brightly colored flowers, particularly red, orange, and pink blooms. Sugar!
- Small Insects and Spiders: Crucial for protein, especially during breeding season. They catch gnats, mosquitoes, aphids, and small spiders, often gleaning them from spider webs or catching them in mid-air.
- Tree Sap: They frequently visit sapsucker holes and broken branches to supplement their diet with tree sap, particularly from maple trees. Sugar!
Nesting and Reproduction
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are solitary nesters, with females taking full responsibility for nest construction and chick-rearing. Females build tiny, cup-shaped nests about 2 inches in diameter using plant down, moss, and lichen, bound together with spider silk. The outside is camouflaged with bits of lichen, making nests nearly invisible. Nests are typically placed 10-40 feet high on small, downward-sloping branches, often over water or clearings. In Maryland, breeding occurs from May through July, with females laying 1-2 white eggs about the size of navy beans. Incubation lasts 12-14 days, and young fledge after 18-22 days. Successful pairs may raise 2-3 broods per season in Maryland’s favorable climate.
Native Plants for Maryland Hummingbirds
We try and create hummingbird habitat with native Maryland plants benefits both the birds and local ecosystems:
Spring Bloomers:
- Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Summer Favorites:
- Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Marsh Mallow - Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
Late Season Nectar:
- Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
- Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Fascinating Facts
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds can fly backwards, forwards, up, down, and even upside down
- They enter torpor (a hibernation-like state) on cold nights to conserve energy
- Males perform elaborate courtship flights, diving in U-shaped patterns while producing distinctive sounds
- Despite their tiny size, they’re remarkably aggressive, often chasing away much larger birds from feeders
- They have excellent memories, often returning to the same feeders and flowers year after year
Conclusion
Ruby-throated hummingbirds represent one of Maryland’s most enchanting wildlife success stories. By understanding their needs and creating supportive habitat, residents across the state can enjoy these remarkable visitors while contributing to their conservation. Whether you’re watching a male’s territorial display over your garden feeder or glimpsing a female gathering nesting material, these tiny jewels remind us of nature’s incredible adaptability and the importance of preserving diverse habitats for future generations.
The next time you hear that distinctive hum in your Maryland garden, take a moment to appreciate one of nature’s most remarkable athletes—a bird that weighs less than a quarter but travels thousands of miles twice each year, bringing wonder and beauty to our everyday lives.