Hummingbirds are known for their small size, rapid wing beats, and ability to hover in midair. They are found only in the Americas. Of the over 300 hummingbird species, most have colorful plumage that can shine bright red, blue, green, or a mix of colors. However, some species are identified by distinct markings like a black ring around their neck.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widespread hummingbird in eastern North America. The adult male Ruby-throat has metallic green upperparts, gray underparts, and a brilliant metallic red throat patch or gorget. As the name suggests, the male’s throat looks ruby red in bright light. The female and immature Ruby-throats lack the red throat and are more pale gray-green on the underparts.
Both the male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbird, however, have a distinctive black throat border on the lower neck. This thin black line clearly separates the white lower throat from the colorful gorget (in the male) or pale gray throat (in the female). The black neck ring is a key field mark for identifying the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Identification
The presence of a black throat border is diagnostic for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The similar Black-chinned Hummingbird lacks a neck ring. Ruby-throats also have a fairly long, straight bill compared to other eastern hummingbirds.
In flight, the narrow outer tail feathers and lack of rufous coloration separate the Ruby-throated Hummingbird from the Rufous and Allen’s Hummingbirds of the southwest United States.
Behavior
Male Ruby-throats are fiercely territorial and chase other hummingbirds from their feeding areas. The males perform aerial courtship displays, flying in loops and dive displays to attract females. Ruby-throats feed mainly on nectar from flowers using their long tongues, and also eat small insects.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate south each fall, wintering in Mexico, Central America, and Florida. Their small size enables them to survive cold nights by going into torpor, slowing their metabolism to conserve energy.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small hummingbird with a distinctive orange-red throat in the males. They breed in northwest forests and winter along the Gulf Coast. The male Rufous Hummingbird has brilliant orange-red feathers on his throat, crown, and tail. When the light hits him just right, he glows like a tiny torch. The female and immature males have green backs, white bellies, and speckled throats.
The key field mark for the Rufous Hummingbird is the bright rusty color on the sides of the tail feathers. This rufous coloration is unique among North American hummers. Female Selasphorus hummingbirds (Allen’s and Rufous) can be very difficult to identify in the field without this rufous tail color.
Identification
The Rufous Hummingbird has a slightly decurved bill, unlike the similar Allen’s Hummingbird. The male Allen’s Hummingbird has a more orange throat and lacks rufous on the tail. Females are best identified by range, with Rufous found farther north and into more mountainous areas than the Allen’s Hummingbird.
Behavior
During the breeding season, male Rufous Hummingbirds are aggressive in defending feeding territories. They perform dramatic aerial displays during courtship. The males do not participate in rearing young. The females build a well-camouflaged nest on a conifer branch using plant materials and spider webs.
Rufous Hummingbirds are extremely long distance migrants. They travel up to 5,000 miles between their nesting ground in Alaska and Canada to their winter range in Mexico. Some birds may migrate as far south as Panama.
Allen’s Hummingbird
The Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) is a small green hummingbird with an orange throat patch. It is common in coastal California and the southwest United States. The adult male Allen’s Hummingbird has a bright orange throat, green back and crown, and rufous tail feathers. The female has a pale throat with some speckling, a green back, and rufous outer tail feathers.
The male Allen’s Hummingbird has a distinctively narrow orange throat compared to the wider, darker gorget of the Rufous Hummingbird. Females are best identified by their coastal range, mostly south of the Rufous Hummingbird’s range in the Pacific Northwest.
Identification
Allen’s Hummingbirds look very similar to Rufous Hummingbirds. Males can be identified by their narrower orange gorget and slightly straighter bill. Females are extremely difficult to differentiate. The best mark for identifying female Allen’s vs. Rufous is by range, with Allen’s found near the Pacific coast.
Behavior
Male Allen’s Hummingbirds perform dramatic courtship displays, flying in steep climbs and dives to attract females. They do not participate significantly in rearing young. The female builds a cup-shaped nest out of plant down and spider webs on the branches of shrubs or trees.
Allen’s Hummingbirds are less migratory than Rufous. Their breeding range extends along coastal California and up to British Columbia. In winter they are found from southern California to Mexico.
Other Hummingbirds with Neck Collars
While the Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Allen’s are the most widespread hummingbird species with distinctive neck bands, here are a few other hummingbirds decorated with black collars:
Calliope Hummingbird
The tiny Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in North America. The adult male has bright magenta throat feathers and a thin black neck ring. Females lack the iridescent gorget and have white-tipped outer tail feathers for identification.
Broad-billed Hummingbird
The male Broad-billed Hummingbird has a dark blue throat with a bold white collar below. Females are more pale below with a speckled throat and white tips on the outer tail feathers.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
True to its name, the male Violet-crowned Hummingbird has a brilliant violet crown and white eyestripe. Its throat is emerald green blending into a black neck collar across the breast.
White-eared Hummingbird
As the name indicates, the White-eared Hummingbird has conspicuous white ear tufts behind its eyes. Males are glittering green above with a blue throat, white collar, and violet ear patches.
Conclusion
While many hummingbird species have vibrant, iridescent plumage on their throats, several are distinguished by their solid black neck ring. The most widespread is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird of eastern North America. In the western United States, Rufous and Allen’s Hummingbirds have rusty red throats surrounded by a black collar. Other hummingbirds with distinctive neck rings include Calliope, Broad-billed, Violet-crowned, and White-eared.
The presence of a black neck band is a key field mark for identifying these hummingbirds by sight. During the breeding season, the males’ bright colored throats and aggressive behavior stand out. Females and young birds can be more difficult to differentiate, but their range and tail markings help clue in birders to the species.
Hummingbirds with black collars add stunning variety to these smallest of birds. Their diminutive size, glittering colors, and energetic personalities make hummingbirds a favorite among many bird lovers.
