Rufous Hummingbird

About

The Rufous Hummingbird is a small, highly energetic, and migratory hummingbird known for its feisty territorial behavior and impressive long-distance migration. Males are strikingly rufous (rusty orange) with an iridescent red-orange gorget, while females are green and white with rufous flanks. They are a common sight in western North America during breeding season and can be found across a wide range of habitats.

Size & lifespan

Length

7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 in)

Wingspan

11 cm (4.3 in)

Weight

2-5 g (0.07-0.18 oz)

Lifespan

3-5 years (up to 8 years recorded)

Diet

Nectar from a wide variety of flowers, small insects (gnats, flies, aphids, spiders), and tree sap.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adult males are predominantly rufous (rusty orange) on the back, flanks, and tail, with a brilliant iridescent red-orange gorget (throat patch). The crown is often green. Adult females are green on the back and crown, white on the underparts, with rufous wash on the flanks and base of the tail feathers. They often have a small patch of iridescent orange or bronze on the throat, or streaking. Both sexes have a straight, slender black bill and dark eyes.

Beak shape

Long, straight, and slender, black.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Dark gray to black.

Distinguishing features

Males are unmistakable with their extensive rufous plumage and fiery gorget. Females and juveniles are more challenging, distinguished by the combination of green back, rufous flanks, and rufous in the tail, often with a small amount of iridescent throat color.

Juvenile appearance

Juvenile males resemble adult females but often have more extensive rufous on the back and flanks, and developing iridescent orange-red spots or streaks on the throat. Juvenile females are very similar to adult females, sometimes with more prominent rufous on the flanks and tail, and often fine streaking on the throat.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes in adults, though plumage can appear duller when worn. Juveniles gradually acquire adult plumage over their first year.

Sexual dimorphism

Pronounced. Males are much more brightly colored with extensive rufous and a full iridescent gorget. Females are duller, primarily green and white with rufous flanks and tail, and a less developed or absent gorget.

How to identify

1. 1

   Male Plumage

   Look for the extensive rusty-orange (rufous) coloration on the back, flanks, and tail, combined with the brilliant iridescent red-orange gorget. This combination is unique among North American hummingbirds.

2. 2

   Female/Juvenile Plumage

   Observe the green back, white underparts, and distinct rufous wash on the flanks and at the base of the tail feathers. Look for any iridescent orange or bronze on the throat, which can vary from a few spots to a small patch. Pay close attention to the shape of the outer tail feathers; Rufous often have slightly broader, more rounded outer tail feathers compared to Allen's.

3. 3

   Behavior

   Their aggressive and territorial nature is a strong clue. They frequently chase other hummingbirds and will often perch conspicuously on a high branch, scanning their territory.

4. 4

   Flight Display (Males)

   During breeding season, males perform a distinctive U-shaped or J-shaped dive display, often accompanied by a loud buzzing sound at the bottom of the dive.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for their sharp 'chip' calls and rapid, chattering 'chitter' notes, especially during aggressive interactions.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Forest edges, open woodlands, mountain meadows, subalpine and alpine areas, parks, gardens, and suburban areas.

Geographic range

Breeds in western North America, from southeastern Alaska and British Columbia south through the Pacific Northwest to northern California, and east to the Rocky Mountains. Migrates south for winter, primarily to Mexico, but also along the Gulf Coast of the United States.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) in breeding areas, often at higher elevations during summer.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas with abundant flowering plants for nectar and scattered trees or shrubs for perching and nesting. Often found in disturbed areas, clearings, and riparian zones.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during daylight hours, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Feeds primarily on nectar, hovering in front of flowers and extending its long tongue to extract nectar. Also catches small insects in mid-air (hawking) or gleans them from foliage. Will visit sap wells created by sapsuckers. Highly territorial around food sources.

Social behavior

Generally solitary and highly territorial, especially males during breeding season and around prime feeding sites. Will aggressively chase away other hummingbirds, and even larger birds or insects, from their territory.

Flight pattern

Characterized by rapid, erratic, and agile flight. Males perform elaborate courtship display dives, involving a U-shaped or J-shaped trajectory with a buzzing sound at the bottom of the dive. Can hover stationary in mid-air.

Migration pattern

One of the longest migratory journeys of any bird, relative to its size. Breeds in the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains. Migrates south along the Pacific Coast and through the Rocky Mountains to wintering grounds in Mexico and the Gulf Coast of the U.S. Males often migrate earlier than females and juveniles. They follow flower blooms along their migration routes.

Territoriality

Extremely territorial. Males aggressively defend feeding territories, often perching conspicuously and chasing intruders with chattering calls and aerial displays. Females also defend nesting and feeding areas.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically May to July, varying by latitude and elevation.

Nesting habits

Females build a tiny, cup-shaped nest, usually 1-6 meters (3-20 feet) high, often on a downward-sloping branch of a conifer or deciduous tree. Nests are constructed from plant down, mosses, lichens, and spider silk, making them camouflaged and elastic. They often reuse or build new nests on top of old ones.

Clutch size

2 eggs.

Egg description

Two tiny, plain white, elliptical eggs.

Incubation period

15-17 days, incubated solely by the female.

Fledging period

18-21 days after hatching, young are fed by the female.

Parental care

Only the female cares for the eggs and young. Males play no role in nesting or raising offspring.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look for movement. Hummingbirds are fast. Scan flowering plants and feeders for rapid, darting movements or hovering birds.
2. Listen for calls. Their sharp 'chip' notes and chattering can often alert you to their presence before you see them, especially during territorial disputes.
3. Observe feeders. Hummingbird feeders are a reliable way to attract and observe them, particularly during migration. Be prepared for their aggressive behavior at feeders.
4. Check perches. Males often perch conspicuously on exposed branches or tall plants, surveying their territory. Look for small birds perched high up.
5. Plant native flowers. To attract them to your yard, plant native, nectar-rich flowers, especially those with red or orange tubular blossoms.

Similar species

Quick facts

Migration Distance:

One of the longest migrations relative to body size among all birds, covering up to 6,000 km (3,700 miles) one-way.

Territoriality:

Extremely aggressive and territorial, often dominating feeders and flower patches despite their small size.

Diet:

Nectar and small insects.

Nesting:

Female builds and cares for nest and young alone.

Speed:

Can reach speeds of over 40 mph (64 km/h) in level flight and over 60 mph (97 km/h) during courtship dives.

Fun facts

• Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their incredible memory, remembering the location of specific flowers and feeders from year to year.
• Despite their small size, they are incredibly feisty and will aggressively chase away much larger birds, including hawks, from their territory.
• Males often migrate north along the Pacific Coast in spring, but return south through the Rocky Mountains in late summer, following different routes to take advantage of sequential flower blooms.
• Their iridescent gorget color is not due to pigment but to the structural arrangement of melanin granules in the feathers, which refracts light like a prism.
• They can enter a state of torpor, a deep sleep-like state, to conserve energy during cold nights or when food is scarce.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Apodiformes

Family

Trochilidae

Genus

Selasphorus

Species

Selasphorus rufus

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