Tiny hovering bird; adult males show a ruby-red throat in good light.
How to recognize it
Tiny hovering bird; adult males show a ruby-red throat in good light.
Where you may find it in Ontario
Flowering gardens and woodland edges. Local occurrence depends on habitat, region and season.
Food and ecological role
Nectar and tiny insects. Every species is part of a larger food web involving plants, insects, birds and mammals.
When to look
Mainly spring to early autumn.
Make your backyard more welcoming
Plant native nectar flowers across the growing season.
Identification and safety
Use several features, not a single colour or silhouette, to confirm identification. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance; do not handle or feed wild animals. For species-specific photographs and further details, see the reference below.
Further reading: Species identification / reference. Also see Ontario backyard resources.