August 25, 2026
When they fledge, all Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) look like adult female hummingbirds of that species. Rounded white tips on the end of their tail feathers, and plain white gorgets (throats).
Given just a little bit of time the young males look a bit different. Those white gorgets begin to look more like they have a 5 O’clock shadow, and sometimes, those tiny red feathers are just beginning to become visible.
Then, during their first winter, the young males will go through their first winter molt. The rounded, white-tipped tail feathers, which look like the tails feathers of an adult female, will be replaced with the dark, pointed feathers that adult males have. And the rest of that red gorget grows in.
I can imagine hearing them all shout out in a chorus, as the winter molt is completed, “Ta Daaah!
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Your knowledge and pictures are just incrediable!
OMG! Thanks Barry! Though I do have to say, I learn as I write my posts. I’m *always* doing research, with my camera as my guide.
So very glad you read my posts!
Bren