A small bird measuring up to 4 inches in length and weighing only 0.1 - 0.2 ounces. The back is iridescent green. The male has a brilliant iridescent red throat and the female's is white.
Range:
Breeds in eastern North America and winters in southern Florida, Mexico, and Central America. Found in Florida March - October, though in South Florida some remain year-round.
Habitat(s):
Woodlands, gardens, parks, and orchards.
Reproduction:
1 to 3 white eggs are laid in a nest of plant down and spiderwebs saddled to the branch of a tree.
Food:
This species feeds on flower nectar, small insects, and tree sap. They prefer tube-shaped flowers to nectar from and are particularly attracted to plants that produce red flowers. Nectar sources include: Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans), Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea) and Firebush (Hamelia patens).
