The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird in the United States and the only breeding hummingbird east of the Mississippi River. By learning how to properly identify ruby-throated hummingbirds, birders can identify different hummingbirds more quickly and easily by recognizing that they're aren't ruby-throats and knowing what key parts of a hummingbird to check for the subtle clues that separate species.

Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Identification

The male ruby-throated hummingbird is an industrious bird, constantly flitting among flowers and feeders not only to feed, but also to defend his territory from other hummingbirds. But when those other hummingbirds are nearby, it can be a challenge to identify the ruby-throats. Looking for these clues can help:

• Bill: Like all hummingbirds, the narrow, needle-like bill is ideal for sipping nectar from deep inside flowers. The bill is black and straight.
• Chin: The chin of a hummingbird may be tiny, but it can be a clue to the bird's identity. The ruby-throated hummingbird has a black chin.
• Throat: The male ruby-throated hummingbird has a bright red throat, or gorget, with sparkling iridescence when seen in bright light. In shadows or poor light, however, the entire throat may seem dark or dull. Depending on the light, the throat may have an orange-red hue.
• Breast: The breast is bright white and unmarked. It makes a striking contrast to the bird's throat.

• Eye: The eye is dark, but there is a bright white spot just behind the eye. Because the head of the male ruby-throated hummingbird is dark, the spot can stand out significantly.
• Flanks: The bird's flanks are a gray-green color that may show some sparkling iridescence. The coloration doesn't quite fill in the underparts, however, and there may appear to be a pale line down the center of the abdomen.
• Tail: The ruby-throated hummingbird has a long, pointed tail with a deep notch at the center. Each feather is pointed, and on the male, each feather is dark. When the tail is held folded, the shape may be more difficult to see.
• Upperparts: (Not Pictured) The upperparts of the ruby-throated hummingbird are a bright green or green-gold with an iridescent sheen. The darker wings, when folded, contrast with the colorful body.

Photo – Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird © Dan Pancamo