The only species of Hummingbird that we know in the Northeast is the Ruby-throat. This little whirring jewel comes to us from the South in very early May and departs by the first of October. It is interesting to learn that there are at least five hundred known species of Hummingbirds in the New World. They are found only in North and South America, the greatest numbers being in South America in Ecuador and Columbia, where Dr. Frank M. Chapman writes that they inhabit the Andean regions.

Song: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird utters only a little “squeak” and thus may be said to possess no true song. Mr. F. Schuyler Mathews has said that this note might possibly mean—“Look out now; don’t attempt to catch me by the tail while my head is buried in this morning-glory!” The “humming” sound is made by the rapidly beating wings. Indeed, these wings move so rapidly that they are invisible as the bird hovers in mid-air while investigating some flower.

Food: The diet of this Hummingbird consists of tiny insects and also of the nectar of flowers.

Nest: This rare little structure is built upon a horizontal tree limb, quite far from the ground. It is built of the very softest of plant down, covered upon the outside with small bits of lichens and bound to the branch with fibers. This delicate little composition is most difficult to find. Often it is only discovered by accident, perched upon its swaying foundation. The two white eggs, about the size of beans, are incubated and then the two diminutive birds appear in the silken thimble. The entire family could be contained in a spoon.