These are the smallest birds in the whole world. There are some 500 species and only one species is over 5 inches in length, long bill included. Only the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is found east of the Mississipi and in Quebec. It derives its name from the glittering gorge worn by the male and displayed at its brightest about the time that the female is building its marvelous little nest neatly balanced on a maple twig or an old orchard.
It has a long, thin, tube-like bill, iridescent plumage, and a wing motion so rapid that it is almost invisible to the eye. Hummingbirds are courageous little birds, often fighting among themselves. During the mating season, the male will swing from side to side to attract the female. They migrate to Tierra del Fuego and always follow the air currents, helping them to achievevery high speeds.
