When the juvenile birds fledge, both sexes look like the adult female. In August and September, as they begin to mature, young males may develop some red feathers in their gorget. Typically hummingbirds make one complete molt per year, which may start during the fall migration and continue into March. Young males acquire full ruby gorgets during their first molt.
"Excited to see the first young male of the season. He made many visits to the feeders and flowers."
Mississauga, Ontario 08/06/14
Young male ruby-throated hummingbird Glenna H
