Photo: John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Time to clean and refill your hummingbird feeders — ruby-throated hummingbirds are moving through Arkansas and other southern states during fall migration.
Why it matters: These tiny birds need constant fuel to sustain their energy — they can flap their wings up to 90 times per second, according to the National Audubon Society.
State of play: After traveling north in the spring to breed, the ruby-throated hummingbirds are now heading south to Mexico and as far as northern Panama, according to Hummingbird Central.
By the numbers: Hummingbirds feed every 10–15 minutes, visiting 1,000–2,000 flowers a day, per the National Audubon Society.
The intrigue: Not all ruby-throated hummingbirds have ruby-colored throats — the collar only shows in males.
What's next: You can support them on their journey by filling feeders with nectar made from boiling water and refined white sugar.
