Larry Zach Wildlife Art

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird found in the eastern half of the U.S. and the only species found east of the Mississippi. Hummingbirds are attracted to red flowers, including columbine, and ruby-throats are easily drawn to hummingbird feeders. Individuals, especially males, try to defend their feeder from other hummingbirds. Watching ruby-throats is increasing in popularity as more and more people tune into the 'hummingbird wars'. Most ruby-throated hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America, and most get there by flying non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico.