Where do they migrate to?
The rubythroat is thought to winter in southern Mexico and Guatemala. They migrate singly, during the day. They are thought to cross the Gulf of Mexico, which requires nonstop cruising (at about 50mph) from just before dawn to just after dusk. They must fatten up a lot (doubling their body weight) to undertake this amazing feat, and this requires a lot of nectar. If during their crossing of the gulf they meet a storm or strong headwind,they will not make it. The reason why only the ruby throat breeds east of the Mississippi, despite the abundance of good habitat, is probably that only this species has mastered the art of crossing the Gulf. Nevertheless, it is likely that this crossing is the main single hummingbird killer.
