Yes, there are over 300 different species of hummingbirds that come in a variety of brilliant colors. Hummingbirds are known for their iridescent plumage that shimmers and changes colors in the light. While the most common hummingbird colors are red, green, blue and orange, some species exhibit more unusual colors like violet, gold and even white.
The color differences are related to the evolutionary adaptations of each species. Their colorful feathers serve several purposes from attracting mates to camouflage and intimidating competitors. Read on to learn more about the different colors of hummingbirds and what they signify.
What causes the colorful plumage of hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds get their striking, shimmery colors from light refraction through their feathers. Unlike pigments that absorb certain wavelengths to produce color, the color shifting quality of hummingbird feathers is caused by the physical structure of the feathers themselves.
The feathers contain melanin granules and air pockets that act as prisms to refract light. As the viewing angle changes, the refracted light shifts through the color spectrum creating an iridescent, rainbow-like effect. The shape, density and distribution of melanin determines the specific colors produced.
This structural coloration allows hummingbirds to display flashy colors using very little pigment. Producing pigments takes energy, so minimizing their use allows hummingbirds to allocate resources to other important biological processes like reproduction and metabolism.
Common hummingbird colors
Red
Red is one of the most common hummingbird colors. Many North American hummingbird species feature red plumage including Ruby-throated, Rufous, Allen’s, Costa’s, Broad-tailed and Calliope Hummingbirds.
The red coloration signals dominance and breeding fitness to other hummingbirds. Males with the brightest red feathers are considered the most fit and attractive mates. Red also serves as camouflage by blending in with red tubular flowers that many hummingbirds feed from.
Green
Green is another prevalent hummingbird color seen in species like Anna’s, Black-chinned, Buff-bellied and Violet-crowned Hummingbirds. The green plumage provides camouflage by blending in with leaves and foliage. This helps conceal the tiny birds from predators.
Females and juveniles are often colored green since they do less territorial displays than adult males. The green coloration allows them to avoid confrontations and quietly go about feeding.
Blue
While less common than red and green varieties, several species feature blue plumage. This includes the Blue-throated Hummingbird, Azure-crowned Hummingbird, Blue-tailed Hummingbird and the Indigo-capped Hummingbird.
The blue coloration is useful for camouflage in open sky habitats and serves as a signal of aggression to competitors encroaching on its territory. However, blue feathers take more energy to produce, so fewer species exhibit blue coloring.
Orange
A few hummingbird species have plumage containing orange like the Broad-billed, Scintillant, Flame-rumped Tanager and Swallow Tanager. The orange coloration helps attract mates and establish dominance. It also provides camouflage among orange flowers.
Interestingly, the color orange only recently evolved in hummingbirds. It first appeared about 10,000 years ago, making it a relatively new adaptation compared to red, blue and green colors seen in earlier hummingbird species.
Uncommon hummingbird colors
While red, green, blue and orange are the most prevalent, hummingbirds can display more unusual plumage colors too:
Violet
The Violet-crowned Hummingbird has bright violet colored feathers on the crown of its head. This bold coloration helps attract mates in dense forests where visibility is low. The violet crown is highly iridescent, flashing rainbow colors as the angle changes.
Gold
A few species like the Andean Emerald have golden colored plumage. The gold coloration likely serves to attract mates by displaying dominance and fitness. The bright gold also provides camouflage among yellow and orange flowers they feed from.
White
Most hummingbirds have at least some white markings in their plumage. But a few like the White-necked Jacobin flaunt nearly all white feathers. While rare, the white coloration provides camouflage in snowy, alpine environments at high elevations. It also signals aggression toward competing males.
Pink
The Pink-throated Brilliant gets its name from the bright pink coloration on its throat. The pink feathers are thought to attract mates and establish dominance through flashy displays. The bold coloration sets it apart from the many green-plumaged hummingbirds in its tropical habitat.
Black
A few species like the Black-chinned Hummingbird have dark blackish plumage, often combined with iridescent greens and purples. The dark coloration likely serves as camouflage in shaded forests and intimidation of competitors. The shimmery feathers offset the darkness for attracting mates.
What other factors influence hummingbird colors?
In addition to camouflage and mating displays, other factors lead to color differences among hummingbird species:
Geography
Hummingbirds found in the same geographic region tend to share similar colors. For example, Central American species are predominantly green while Andean species are more colorful. This shows how colors adapt to shared environments.
Habitat
Forest-dwelling hummingbirds tend to be darker colored for camouflage while open area species have bolder colors to attract mates over longer distances. Hummingbirds around flower beds also match flower colors.
Gender
Males tend to be much more vibrantly colored than females in order to attract mates. Females and juveniles have more camouflaging green, grey or white plumage.
Age
Younger hummingbirds have duller versions of adult coloring until they reach maturity. For example, young Anna’s Hummingbirds are mostly grey until getting full green and rose plumage.
Seasons
Some hummingbirds exhibit different plumage colors depending on the season. During breeding season, they may display much brighter feathering to attract mates.
Lighting conditions
The iridescent coloring of hummingbird feathers can look dramatically different in various lighting. Direct sunlight brings out vivid flashes of color while shade mutes the brilliance.
Notable examples of uniquely colored hummingbirds
Here are some individual hummingbird species showcasing unusual coloring:
Blue-tailed Emerald
This aptly named hummingbird has a brilliant blue tail and green head and body. The blue tail feathers are used in diving displays to attract females.
Red-billed Streamertail
As the name hints, this Jamaican endemic species has a long, forked red tail and a contrasting blue-green head and body. The long streamer tail feathers are used in elaborate courtship dances.
Rufous-crested Coquette
The male Rufous-crested Coquette has a bright red mohawk-like double crest on its head used to impress females. The rest of its plumage is iridescent green.
Giant Hummingbird
As the largest hummingbird species, the Giant Hummingbird is mostly covered in iridescent emerald green feathers. Its bright crimson gorget is used in bold displays.
Comparing common hummingbird colors
This table summarizes some of the most common hummingbird species and the colors they exhibit:
Species | Main Color(s) |
---|---|
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Ruby red throat, green back, white breast |
Anna’s Hummingbird | Emerald green and grey with rose red head |
Rufous Hummingbird | Rusty orange overall |
Allen’s Hummingbird | Green back, rufous sides, orange throat |
Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Bright green with red throat |
Calliope Hummingbird | Green above, white below with red streaks |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | Dark green and grey with purple throat |
Conclusion
In conclusion, hummingbirds come in a spectacular array of different colors from common red and green to rare violet and pink plumage. These diverse colors serve important purposes like camouflage, attracting mates, establishing dominance and intimidating competitors. Coloration is influenced by habitat, geography, age, gender and season. The striking, shimmery appearance comes from light refracting through specialized feather structures rather than pigments. So next time you see a flashy hummingbird, take a closer look at its unique colors and what they might signify.