Most hummingbird enthusiasts believe plant nectar is the primary food of the ruby-throated hummingbird. At the same time, they recognize small insects and spiders are essential to the rubythroat’s diet. However, according to entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy, renowned native plant proponent, and a growing number of hummingbird experts, hummingbirds are actually insectivorous birds that also consume nectar. In fact, Dr. Tallamy has stated, Hummingbirds like and need nectar but 80 percent of their diet is insects and spiders.”
Research conducted by biologists at Cornell University’s Laboratory of Ornithology seem to corroborate this claim. When the researchers trapped and followed the movements of a female hummingbird for two weeks never once did she eat any nectar.
I was closely monitoring a knot/hole in a large tree with my Celestrons to see what the inhabitant was when Behold, out of nowhere, a ruby throated perched on the side of the hole and began to what appears to be eating! (ants, spiders, grubs…..?). I initially thought he/she was feeding young????? I will go back to monitor the hole! Any chance a Ruby would nest up in a sm. hole in a tree?