FIGURE 8's

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird hovers to feed from flowers.  The course of the wingtip during a complete wingbeat would describe a very flat figure 8 laid on it's side.  The Ruby-Throated Hummer is the only species breeding in NYS and  leaves early fall for warmer climates.  The males leave first, followed by the females, and the juveniles leave last which is
evidence of instinct behavior.