Bird of the Month: The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Few backyard bird visitors create as much anticipation as the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. The smallest bird most Mid-Atlantic residents will ever see up close, it arrives each spring from its wintering grounds in Central America and immediately commands attention with its speed, iridescence, and aerial precision. For anyone with a feeder and a garden, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is one of the most rewarding birds to attract and support through the warm season.
Getting to Know the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the only hummingbird species that breeds in the eastern United States and Canada. All other hummingbird species seen in the east are extremely rare visitors that were likely thrown off course during migration. Thus, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the hummingbird for backyard birders in Maryland and throughout the Mid-Atlantic and setting up a feeder specifically for this species is straightforward and highly rewarding.
Adult males are unmistakable as their throat is covered in iridescent ruby red feathers that can appear black in low light and blaze brilliant red in direct sun. Females and immature birds lack the ruby throat, but all birds have metallic green on their backs and heads and white underparts. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird weighs roughly three grams, less than a nickel, and their wings beat approxima tely 53 times per second, which produces the distinctive humming sound that gives the family its name.
Despite its tiny size, it is capable of flying hundreds of miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico during migration, a remarkable feat of endurance for any bird of any size.
When to Expect the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in Maryland
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is a seasonal visitor to Maryland, typically arriving in late April and departing by early October. Males arrive first, usually appearing in the last two weeks of April, followed by females shortly after.
Peak activity runs from May through September and the period from late July through August is particularly busy with birds being most active at feeders, as juveniles join the adults in building energy reserves ahead of fall migration.
A good rule for Maryland residents is to have feeders cleaned and filled by late April. Hummingbirds follow established routes and will return to reliable feeding stations from previous years, so getting a feeder in place early helps capture the first arrivals. This is especially important because we can still have some cold weather in late April with limited native food available, so providing a tired hummingbird with an easy nectar source can make a big difference!
Feeders can typically be taken down in October once sightings have stopped for two weeks. Leaving feeders up a bit longer does not prevent hummingbirds from migrating, as departure is driven by day length and instinct rather than food availability.
What Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Eat
Nectar makes up the majority of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird's diet, supplemented by small insects and spiders that provide essential protein, fat, and other nutrients the bird cannot obtain from sugar water alone. At feeders, nectar is the primary draw, and the quality and freshness of that nectar matters more than most people realize.
The standard homemade nectar recipe is a simple four to one ratio of water to white granulated sugar. That translates to a 1/4th cup of sugar per one cup of water, dissolved fully before filling the feeder. Red dye is not necessary and is best avoided in homemade mixes. Honey, brown sugar, and artificial sweeteners should not be used as substitutes as they do not have the proper sugar to water ratio, among other things.
For those who prefer a ready-made option, More Birds Hummingbird Nectar is a convenient ready-to-use nectar available at The Mill. Hummer's Galore Hummingbird Nectar and Clear Hummingbird Easy Mix Nectar Powder from Songbird Essentials are additional options that mix easily and eliminate the need to make nectar from scratch.
Feeder Selection and Placement
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is not particularly selective about feeder style, but a few practical considerations make a real difference in how well a setup performs.
Glass feeders are generally easier to clean thoroughly than plastic and hold up better over multiple seasons. The Lavender Field Top-Fill Glass Hummingbird Feeder from Perky Pet and the Nature's Way Scarlet Swirl Glass Hummingbird Feeder are both quality glass options with practical designs for regular maintenance. The Nature's Way Charming Cherry Glass Gravity Hummingbird Feeder is a compact choice well-suited for smaller yards or porch setups.
For a higher-capacity option, the Panacea Nectar Cooler Hummingbird Feeder features an insulated design that helps keep nectar cooler for longer, extending the time between refills during hot summer days.
Feeder placement is important to consider. Hanging a feeder near flowering plants, within a few feet of a shrub or tree for quick retreat cover, and in a location visible from a window all contribute to a better experience for both the birds and the observer. Multiple feeders placed at different points around the yard can reduce territorial aggression, as dominant males will frequently attempt to guard a single feeder from other birds.
Feeder Maintenance: The Most Important Factor
Nectar spoils quickly, especially in summer heat. Fermented or moldy nectar is harmful to hummingbirds and will cause them to stop visiting a feeder entirely. Regular cleaning and refilling is the most critical part of maintaining a successful hummingbird feeding station.
In warm weather (above 80 degrees), nectar should be replaced every one to two days. In cooler conditions, every three to four days is appropriate. Every time nectar is replaced, the feeder should be rinsed thoroughly. A full cleaning with hot water and a bottle brush should be done at least once per week regardless of outside temperatures.
CareFree Enzymes Hummingbird Feeder Cleaner is a dedicated feeder cleaning solution that removes nectar residue and inhibits mold growth without leaving harmful residues behind.
Ant intrusion is a common problem at hummingbird feeders. Ants contaminate nectar and deter hummingbirds from using the feeder. An Ant Moat for Hummingbird Feeders hung between the hanger and the feeder creates a water barrier that ants cannot cross. The Ant-Off Ant Guard For Hummingbird Feeders is another effective deterrent that attaches directly to the hanger.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in Maryland Gardens
Beyond feeders, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is strongly attracted to flowering plants that produce tubular red, orange, or pink blooms. Native plantings including trumpet vine, cardinal flower, bee balm, and coral honeysuckle are among the most effective garden additions for drawing hummingbirds in naturally.
A yard that combines a reliable nectar feeder with native plantings gives the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird multiple reasons to return throughout the season. During peak summer weeks, a well-positioned feeder near flowering plants can produce remarkable close-up observations that no other bird quite matches.
Shop Hummingbird Feeders and Nectar at The Mill
The Mill carries a full selection of hummingbird feeders, nectar, and accessories across all store locations. Whether setting up a first feeder or refreshing an existing setup for the new season, the team at The Mill is happy to help find the right products for any yard.
Shop hummingbird feeders and nectar at themillstores.com or stop in at any Mill location to speak with a wild bird specialist directly.
