October: Settling in the Tropics

October: Settling in the Tropics
In October, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are on their wintering grounds. All of the arrivals from the north now face more competition for food. The adults are molting and getting fresh new feathers. The babies have not been to the tropics before. They must adjust to new dangers they never imagined. Here the young hummers must learn about army ants and many different predatory insects. Snakes lurking in trees or slithering by flowers are their enemies. Some of the other hummingbirds that live in the tropics can be predators, too. Small wonder our Rubythroats return north in spring to escape all that and breed!

Rubythroated Hummingbird

Image: Patricia Netbescote


Overview: The Annual Cycle of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December
October: Settling in the Tropics In October, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are on their wintering grounds. All of the arrivals from the north now face more competition for food. The adults are molting and getting fresh new feathers. The babies have not been to the tropics before. They must adjust to new dangers they never imagined. Here the young hummers must learn about army ants and many different predatory insects. Snakes lurking in trees or slithering by flowers are their enemies. Some of the other hummingbirds that live in the tropics can be predators, too. Small wonder our Rubythroats return north in spring to escape all that and breed! Image: Patricia Netbescote