After spending the winter months in Florida, Central America, and Mexico, the ruby-throated hummingbird heads north for its breeding season. According to the Mass Audubon website, if you are looking to welcome the hummingbird back with feeders, then it is best to place them outside from the end of April into the first week of May.
The colorful ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird that nests east of the Great Plains, and is commonly seen in Massachusetts. Both males and females have glossy green feathers covering their bodies, and as per its name, the male has a bright red gorget (area covering its throat). The hummingbird's wings beat about 53 times per second, and since it burns so much energy, it must consume more than its own weight each day to stay alive!
Visit us from May 9 through June 7 to see the hummingbird on display in our reading room.
The colorful ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird that nests east of the Great Plains, and is commonly seen in Massachusetts. Both males and females have glossy green feathers covering their bodies, and as per its name, the male has a bright red gorget (area covering its throat). The hummingbird's wings beat about 53 times per second, and since it burns so much energy, it must consume more than its own weight each day to stay alive!
Visit us from May 9 through June 7 to see the hummingbird on display in our reading room.
Elizabeth Roscio
Preservation Librarian
