The time to prepare for the thrill of seeing nectarloving visitors in local backyards is now. Although other western hummingbirds can be spotted, the Ruby-throated or Archilochus Colubris Hummingbird is most commonly observed in Missouri and is venturing to the area. “They usually arrive in Missouri to nest from early to mid-April, but that can vary considerably from year to year, depending on weather,” states the University of Missouri Extension (MUE). “Rubythroated hummingbird migration in Missouri typically peaks in early May and again in mid to late September.” This tiny bird has a long needle-like bill and hovers or flies forward and backward with a humming sound. They also make a variety of squeals, chips and twitters. “The male birds have metallic green upperparts; a red throat (gorget) that flashes ruby red in the light but otherwise may look black; underparts whitish with dull green flanks; black and deeply forked tail; and the side of the head below the eye is black from…