Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are also known as Archilochus colubris.1 They are only about 3 inches tall, weigh less than 0.2 ounces, and have a wingspan of 3-4 inches.2 They have green feathers on their backs, with gray or white feathers on their fronts. Males have red feathers on their throat – which gives them their name, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird!2
These birds prefer semi-open habitats. This includes areas like forest edges, parks, and gardens.3 Many hummingbirds will nest in tropical areas or the western region of the United States – Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the exception.3 They are the only ones that will nest east of the Mississippi River.1
When it comes to mating, males will try to attract females with aerial displays that include many impressive dives.1 Females will lay two eggs and incubate them for around two weeks.3 Offspring grow quickly and will fledge within three weeks.1 Females can reproduce multiple times a year and may lay eggs three times.3
Ruby-throated hummingbirds like to feed from tubular flowers, including Trumpet Creepers and Spotted Jewelweeds.1&2 You can also find them at hummingbird feeders.2
Learn More About Wildlife with Our Dissection Kits!
Dissection is an incredibly important tool to help students learn about animals, anatomy, and the food chain, and practice their observational skills. And it doesn’t have to be done with real animals!
Owl pellets are a great way for students to have fun in the classroom while they learn about skeletal structure and the food chain. As they dissect into the pellet, they’ll learn to identify the different kinds of prey owls eat and can compare what they find with what their peers find.
Our Dissect It! labs are another great way to introduce children to dissection! Each of these kits is made with a one-of-a-kind gel that gives a realistic feel without using real animals. Students can learn about the skeletal structure of the animal they’re dissecting, instead of their prey with this activity.
