| Hummingbirds are peculiar to the western hemisphere. Some three hundred and twenty species have been described, most of which occur in South America. A dozen or so inhabit the southwestern United States but only one, the ruby-throated, is native east of the Mississippi.
The brilliant, iridescent throat feathers of the male reflect flaming red, but only when viewed at certain angles. It otherwise appears dark, devoid of color. Females and immature birds have whitish throats, like their breasts.
These feathered jewels are named, of course, because of their method of flight. Their wings beat with extraordinary rapidity, anywhere from fifty-five to seventy-five times per second -according to the mode of flight. Hummers also possess the unique ability to fly backwards.
Ruby-throated hummers arrive in the Ohio area in late April. They are quick to respond to feeders filled with sugar water, and they become so tame that, with patience, they will readily feed from one's hand. They remain until mid-September, departing to spend the winter with relatives in South America. The some individuals, will return to their former territories. In fact they will return to the exact spot the feeder was located the previous year; if the feeder is not yet hung out for them, they will proceed to hover around that spot until they are noticed. Such excellent memories.
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