Where does the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) live?
Varies by species (e.g., Selasphorus rufus, Archilochus colubris)
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Open the appThe Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Forest edges, open woodlands, meadows, suburban gardens, parks, chaparral, mountain slopes.
Geographic range
Rufous Hummingbird: Breeds from southeastern Alaska and British Columbia south through the Pacific Northwest to northern California and east to the Rocky Mountains. Winters primarily in Mexico, with some individuals wintering along the Gulf Coast of the U.S. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Breeds across eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. Winters primarily in Mexico and Central America, with some individuals wintering in Florida and along the Gulf Coast.
Preferred environments
Areas with abundant flowering plants, especially tubular flowers, and a mix of open spaces for foraging and dense vegetation for nesting and perching. They are common visitors to backyard feeders.
Elevation range
Sea level to high mountain elevations (up to 3,600 meters or 12,000 feet for Rufous Hummingbirds during migration).
Where to look
Backyard Gardens
Plant native tubular flowers (e.g., bee balm, cardinal flower, salvia) and hang hummingbird feeders (red is attractive, use 4:1 sugar water solution).
Forest Edges and Open Woodlands
Look for areas with a mix of trees and flowering undergrowth, especially near water sources.
Meadows and Mountain Slopes
During migration, especially for Rufous Hummingbirds, these open, flower-rich habitats are important feeding grounds.
Parks and Botanical Gardens
Well-maintained gardens with diverse flowering plants are excellent places to observe hummingbirds.
Field tips
- Be Patient and Still. Hummingbirds are small and fast. Find a good spot near flowers or a feeder and remain still. They will often approach closely.
- Listen for Buzzing. Their rapid wing beats create a distinctive buzzing sound, which often alerts you to their presence before you see them.
- Look for Movement. Scan flowering plants and feeders for quick, darting movements or hovering birds.
- Use Binoculars. Even at close range, binoculars can help resolve key identification features like gorget color, back color, and flank markings.
- Provide Feeders. Hummingbird feeders are a reliable way to attract and observe these birds, especially during migration.
Migration
Both species are long-distance migrants. Rufous Hummingbirds undertake one of the longest migrations relative to their body size, traveling up to 4,000 miles from Alaska to Mexico. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds also migrate long distances, often crossing the Gulf of Mexico in a single flight. Males typically migrate earlier than females and juveniles.
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