Hummingbirds are some of the most spectacular birds found in North America. With over 300 species, hummingbirds display an incredible diversity in size, coloration, behavior, habitat preferences and more. While the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird found east of the Mississippi River, the western United States is home to dozens of different hummingbird species. One western hummingbird that is particularly striking is the rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus). But with the diversity of hummingbirds found in the American West, how can you confidently identify a rufous hummingbird? Here we will explore the key identification features of rufous hummingbirds to help you distinguish this species from other similar hummingbird species.
Distinctive Appearance of Male Rufous Hummingbirds
The most straightforward way to identify a male rufous hummingbird is by its distinctive plumage. When perched or in flight, the males are unmistakable thanks to their bright rusty red feathers covering their throat, sides and belly. This bright rufous plumage extends down through the tail as well. The males have a green back and crown and a white breast. The beak is long, straight and very slender. In flight, the males appear mostly reddish-orange with some green and white highlights. This is very different from the predominant greens and blues found on many other western hummingbird species. The ruby-throated hummingbird lacks any rufous coloration. So if you spot a small, zippy hummingbird decked out in rusty red plumage, chances are good it’s a male rufous.
Subtler Female Rufous Hummingbirds
Female rufous hummingbirds lack the flashy rusty feathers of the males. Their plumage is much more subdued, consisting of pale green feathers on the back and a pale grey throat and underparts. However, female rufous hummingbirds do have rufous-colored feathers forming a spot at the base of the tail and edging the tail feathers. When perched, watch for this rufous spot at the base of the tail to recognize a female rufous. In flight the females appear pale green on the back and light grey below, with little hints of the rufous tail feathers visible when viewed from behind or below. The slender bill and rapid, darting flight style are very similar to the males and other Selasphorus hummingbirds. So that rusty spot at the base of the tail is the best way to confirm a female rufous hummingbird.
Small Size
Rufous hummingbirds are one of North America’s smallest birds. Adults measure only 2.8 – 3.5 inches in length. This is smaller than other western hummingbirds like broad-tailed, black-chinned, Anna’s and Costa’s hummingbirds. Only the tiny calliope hummingbird is smaller than the rufous among western North American hummingbirds. So if you observe a particularly small hummingbird displaying the rufous plumage of the males or the rusty tail spots of the females, you can be certain it is a rufous hummingbird.
Habitat Preference
Rufous hummingbirds thrive in a variety of western habitats during the breeding season, including mountain meadows, riparian woodlands, scrublands and forests. They can be found across much of western North America as far north as Alaska during summer. Come fall, rufous hummingbirds migrate south to spend the winter in Mexico and the American Southwest. This migration can be one of the longest of any North American bird in proportion to its body size. Throughout their range, rufous hummingbirds prefer open or edge habitats with flower resources. Your best chance of spotting rufous hummingbirds is by watching for them visiting tubular flowers, especially red and orange blossoms, at forest edges or scrubby areas. This preference for flowers in open habitats helps set them apart from forest interior species like calliope hummingbirds.
Fast, Aggressive Behavior
Rufous hummingbirds are known for their feisty behavior. Males can be highly territorial and aggressive, chasing away other males or even larger birds from their feeding territories. In courtship displays, males fly in repeated U-shaped or oval patterns to attract females. They also make a distinctive buzzing sound with their wings during these display dives. Rufous hummingbirds are intensely curious as well. They may aggressively investigate any people or objects in their habitat by buzzing very close around them. This fast, acrobatic and bold behavior is characteristic of rufous hummingbirds during the breeding season when hormones run high. Females and immatures are less aggressive, but they share the same speedy, darting flight motions.
Timing of Occurrence
Since rufous hummingbirds are migratory, when and where you spot them depends on the time of year:
- Late spring and summer: Male and female rufous hummingbirds can be found throughout forested and shrubby habitat in western North America as far north as Alaska from about April through August.
- Fall migration: Rufous hummingbirds migrate south remarkably early. In late summer and early fall, they can be seen migrating south through western states like Idaho, Utah and Arizona.
- Winter: From November to March, rufous hummingbirds primarily winter in northern Mexico and the American Southwest. They are very rare east of the Mississippi in winter.
So late spring through summer sightings indicate likely breeding rufous hummingbirds, while winter sightings in the southwest indicate overwintering birds. The males in particular migrate early, so wintering birds are much more likely to be less showy females.
Distinguishing from Similar Species
The unique rufous plumage sets male rufous hummingbirds apart from all other hummingbirds. Females and juveniles can be more tricky to identify. Here’s how to distinguish them from similar western hummingbird species:
Calliope Hummingbird
Tiny calliope hummingbirds are the smallest hummingbirds in the U.S. and the only species smaller than rufous hummingbirds. Female calliopes have whitish underparts with small dark spots and lack any rufous coloring. They are migratory and unlikely to overlap in range with rufoius hummingbirds.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Male Allen’s hummingbirds have a rufous back but an orange face and throat. Females lack rufous coloring and have whitish throat feathers with green tips. Their tails are rounded with an orange spot at the base. Allen’s prefer coastal woodlands, compared to the wider habitat use of rufous hummingbirds.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed hummingbirds are significantly larger and longer-tailed than rufous hummingbirds. Males have a bright fuchsia throat with a white chest. Females have a pale throat and lack rufous coloring. The broad, rounded tail is distinctive in flight.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Another similarly sized hummingbird, the male black-chinned hummingbird has a dark purple throat and white below. Females lack rufous feathers and have a pale throat with dark spots on the sides. Black-chinned hummingbirds preferentially use riparian forest habitats.
Species | Male | Female | Key Differences |
---|---|---|---|
Rufous | Rusty red plumage | Green above, pale below with rufous spot at base of tail | Small size, prefers open forests and meadows |
Calliope | Red throat, green above | White underparts with tiny dark spots | Tiniest hummingbird, migrates earlier |
Allen’s | Orange face and throat, rufous back | Green and white plumage, no rufous | Orange spot at base of rounded tail |
Broad-tailed | Fuchsia throat, white chest | Pale throat, no rufous | Larger size, broad tail |
Black-chinned | Purple throat, white below | Pale throat with dark spots | No rufous, prefers riparian forests |
Conclusion
With knowledge of the rufous hummingbird’s distinctive features, preferred habitat, behaviors and migration timing, this dazzling, feisty species can be confidently identified among its North American hummingbird relatives. Focus on the bold rufous plumage of males, watch for the rusty spot near the tail of females and note small stature and preference for openings and meadows. Rufous hummingbirds warrant close observation due to their beauty, spirit and long migrations. Careful attention both to plumage details and behavioral clues will help anyone discern a rufous hummingbird from other superficially similar hummingbird species.