By st20113 
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a small migratory bird native to eastern North America, belonging to the family Trochilidae. Known for its brilliant iridescent plumage and extraordinary flight abilities, it is one of the most studied hummingbird species in North America.
Physical Characteristics: The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is remarkably small, measuring approximately 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 8–11 cm. Males weigh about 3.4 g while females are slightly larger. The male’s iridescent ruby-red throat patch (gorget) flashes brilliant red when light catches it at the right angle. The upperparts are metallic green, and the underparts are whitish with green flanks.
Distribution and Migration: The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird breeds throughout eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, wintering from southern Mexico through Central America. It performs a remarkable non-stop flight of approximately 800 km (500 miles) across the Gulf of Mexico.
Diet and Flight: Primarily nectarivorous, they feed on tubular flowers using their specialized bills and extendable tongues. They are important pollinators for many plant species. They can hover by flapping wings 50–80 times per second, fly backwards, upside down, and sideways. Heart rates reach 1,200 beats per minute during high-activity flight.
Breeding: Males arrive on breeding grounds first to establish territories. Females build delicate cup-shaped nests from plant fibers and spider silk. Clutches consist of 1–3 eggs, incubated for 12–14 days by the female alone.
Conservation: Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, populations may be affected by habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change affecting flowering plant phenology.