_Archilochus colubris. Case 7, Figs. 4, 3_
Females and young lack the 'ruby' throat.
_Range._ Eastern North America, nesting from
Florida to Quebec; winters from central Florida to
Panama.
Washington, common S.R., Apl. 23-Oct. 23.
Ossining, common S.R., Apl. 30-Oct. 3. Cambridge,
very common T.V., uncommon S.R., May 10-Sept. 20.
N. Ohio, common S.R., May 1-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn,
rare S.R., May 1-Sept. 22. SE. Minn., common S.R.,
May 19-Oct. 8.
Any Hummingbird seen east of the Mississippi may, with confidence, be
called a Ruby-throat; exceptions will probably prove to be sphinx moths,
which, it must be confessed, look singularly hummingbird-like as they
hover before flowers. When the eggs are laid the male deserts the
female, leaving to her the task of incubation and care of the young.
The nest, most exquisite of bird homes, is saddled to a limb usually 15
or more feet up. The two bean-like white eggs are laid in May.