How to identify the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

To correctly identify the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) (Varies by species (e.g., Selasphorus rufus, Archilochus colubris)), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 in)

Wingspan

11 cm (4.3 in)

Weight

2-5 g (0.07-0.18 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Rufous Hummingbird: Adult males are iridescent orange-red on the back and flanks, with a brilliant iridescent red-orange gorget (throat patch). Females and juveniles are green above, white below, with rufous flanks and some rufous in the tail. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Adult males are iridescent green above, white below, with a brilliant iridescent ruby-red gorget. Females and juveniles are iridescent green above, white below, with no gorget (females may have faint streaking on the throat) and white tips on the outer tail feathers.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Both species have long, slender, straight, needle-like black bills, adapted for probing flowers.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Rufous Hummingbird: Males are unmistakable with their extensive rufous plumage. Females and juveniles are distinguished from other green-backed hummingbirds by the rufous wash on their flanks and tail base, and often a few iridescent orange-red feathers on the throat. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Males are identified by their solid green back and ruby throat. Females and juveniles are identified by their solid green back, white underparts, and lack of rufous on the flanks or tail (except for white tips on outer tail feathers).

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles of both species resemble adult females. Juvenile male Rufous Hummingbirds may show some orange-red gorget feathers and rufous on the back. Juvenile male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may show dark streaking or a few red feathers on the throat.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes beyond the maturation of juvenile males into adult plumage.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced in both species. Males are much more brightly colored with iridescent gorgets. Females and juveniles are duller, primarily green and white, with less or no iridescent throat patch.

Key field marks

• Male Gorget Color and Back Color. For males, the color of the iridescent throat patch (gorget) and the back are primary identifiers. Ruby-throated males have a ruby-red gorget and a solid green back. Rufous males have an orange-red gorget and a rufous (orange-brown) back, though some may have green patches.
• Female/Juvenile Flank and Tail Color. For females and juveniles, look for rufous (orange-brown) coloration on the flanks and at the base of the tail feathers. Rufous Hummingbirds will show this prominently. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will not have rufous on the flanks or tail, but will have white tips on the outer tail feathers.
• Geographic Range and Season. Consider your location and the time of year. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only widespread breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. Rufous Hummingbirds are primarily western, though they can be found along the Gulf Coast during winter migration.
• Behavior. Rufous Hummingbirds are notoriously aggressive and feisty, often chasing other hummingbirds and even larger birds from feeders. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are also territorial but may appear slightly less aggressive than Rufous.

Explore the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)