What Is the Rufous Hummingbird?

The Rufous Hummingbird (scientific name: Selasphorus rufus) is one of the smallest yet most aggressive hummingbird species in North America. Males are unmistakable with their brilliant orange-red throat (gorget) and rusty red back. According to the IUCN Red List, this species is currently classified as Least Concern (LC) , but with a decreasing population trend.

• Common Name: Rufous Hummingbird
• Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus
• ORDER: Apodiformes
• FAMILY: Trochilidae
• Least Concern (LC) but Declining: While still common, the population is decreasing due to habitat loss, climate change, and threats along its long migratory route.

Correct identification of Selasphorus hummingbirds requires knowledge of details in coloration and tail shape by Rufous Hummingbird State of the science and conservation.

Source: https://pacificbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1022-Hummingbird-report.pdf

How to Identify a Rufous Hummingbird: Key Features and Characteristics

Discover the Rufous Hummingbird: One of the Smallest Species

The Rufous Hummingbird is not just small; it's one of the tiniest hummingbird species found in North America. This captivating bird measures only 3 inches (approximately 8 centimeters) in length and weighs a mere three to four grams. For reference, a U.S. penny weighs about 2.5 grams, making the Rufous Hummingbird remarkably lightweight.

Essential Field Marks: What to Look For

When trying to identify the Rufous Hummingbird, pay attention to its slender, nearly straight bill. Additionally, its wings are relatively short, and when the bird is perched, the wing tips do not extend to the end of the tail. These distinctive features make it easier to spot this beautiful bird in the wild.

Rufous Hummingbird Male vs Female: How to Easily Tell Them Apart

Identifying Adult Male Rufous Hummingbirds

Appearance features

• White breast
• Rufous face, flanks, and tail
• Iridescent orange-red throat patch (gorget)
• Some males may display a small amount of green on the back and/or crown

Rare variation

Interestingly, a small number of males exhibit a distinctly green back. These rare green-backed males can be challenging to distinguish from Allen's hummingbird.

Identification key

One crucial field mark for differentiating the adult male rufous hummingbird from the adult male Allen's hummingbird is the typical notched shape of the second rectrix (R2).

A male Rufous hummingbird hovers, displaying its rufous face, flanks, and tail by Bryan Calk.

Source:https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/110186201

Recognizing Adult Female Rufous Hummingbirds

Adult female rufous hummingbirds possess distinct features that set them apart from their male counterparts.

• Green upperparts
• Rufous-washed flanks
• Tail feathers are green with white tips and a rufous base
• Central throat feathers are a mix of green, white, and some iridescent orange-red
• Females are slightly larger than males

An adult female Rufous hummingbird, showing its green and white belly along with rufous-washed flanks by James Tornetta

Source:https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/645960659

Identifying Immature Rufous Hummingbirds

Immature rufous hummingbirds can be tricky to identify, but they have some unique characteristics.

• The immature male resembles an adult female but features more rufous in the wings and sometimes a rufous patch on the neck.

A immature male Rufous hummingbird hovers, showing a few spots on its throat and white tips on its tail Feathers by Stephen Ikeda.

Source:https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/275250291

Rufous Hummingbird Behavior: Fight & Love & Home

This is How Aggresive Rufous Hummingbird is: 5 Aerial Attack Maneuvers Explained

💢The male Rufous Hummingbird is widely regarded as the most aggressive hummingbird in North America. It will attack other hummingbird species, insects, larger birds, and even chipmunks.

When launching an attack or defending its territory, the male performs a remarkable set of aerial maneuvers.

• Shuttle After completing a dive, the male often follows a swinging trajectory that mirrors the initial shuttle flight path.
• Hover The male typically hovers in a horizontal position just a few centimeters above the intruder, often a female perched in low vegetation. He then rocks his body violently from side to side. His head remains facing the female, while his tail sweeps.
• Chase The male flies directly at an intruding bird and pursues it relentlessly until the intruder is driven completely out of the territory. Then the territory owner usually returns quickly after the chase.
• Tail-spreading The male flies straight toward an intruder, then hovers vertically about 30 centimeters away, fanning his tail feathers wide open.
• Throat Flash While perched on a branch, the male faces an intruder and turns his head.This often reveals a brilliant red flash from his throat (the gorget).

🛡️In contrast, the female’s flight style is much more subdued. She tends to fly low, hugging vegetation as she approaches feeding areas. She typically moves only short distances and pauses for many seconds within the cover of plants. The noise her wings make during flight is also far quieter than the male’s.

Rufous hummingbirds engaged in a fight by Andrew Newmark.

Source: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/437669891

Courtship Display of Rufous Hummingbird: The J-Shaped Dive with Popping Sounds

Many descriptions portray the courtship display of the male Rufous hummingbird as tracing a steep J or U shape, or a vertical oval—climbing high and then diving steeply, accompanied by whining and popping sounds.

However, one study that observed the courtship displays of 26 males found that they appeared to prefer the J-shaped pattern. During dives, the males produce a high-pitched whine. Toward the bottom of the arc, they emit a distinctive pulsing sound (chu-chu-chu-chu), and then conclude with a buzzing or rattling sound during the waggle.

Diagram of a display dive of male Rufous Hummingbirds, based upon repeated dives of 4 males by T. Andrew Hurly, et al. The Function of Displays of Male Rufous Hummingbirds, The Condor: Ornithological Applications, Volume 103, Issue 3, 1 August 2001, Pages 647–651,

Source: https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/103/3/647/5563077?guestAccessKey=

Territory and Nesting of Rufous Hummingbird: Males vs. Females

During southward migration, both male and female Rufous hummingbirds defend territories.

♂️ Male

• Smaller territories.
• Arrives first: Males arrive on breeding grounds before females.
• Defends a display territory: Their territories are chosen for higher flower density to attract mates.
• Performs aerial displays: These include the J-shaped courtship dives described earlier.
• Mates with multiple females: Males are polygynous, mating with multiple females if the opportunity arises.
• Leaves after mating: Males depart the breeding territory soon after mating, providing no parental care.

Why it matters: A male's sole contribution is courtship and mating. His territory is a stage, not a home.

♀️ Female

• Larger territories.
• Arrives second: Females arrive after the males have established territories.
• Chooses the nest site: She selects the nesting location independently; it isnot necessarily within male flight display territories.
• Builds the nest alone: She constructs the nest entirely by herself.
• Incubates the eggs alone: She is solely responsible for keeping the eggs warm until hatching.
• Feeds hatchlings and fledglings alone: All feeding and care of the young is done by the female.
• May reuse old nests: Nests may be reused in subsequent years, and can form loose clusters of up to 20 per small patch.

Why it matters: The female shoulders every responsibility beyond mating entirely on her own.: nest construction, incubation, and feeding.

A female Rufous hummingbird with her nest by Tony V

Source:https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/567103751

The Clockwise Loop of Rufous Hummingbird Migration Route

The Rufous hummingbird breeds farther north than any other hummingbird species, reaching as far as southern Alaska. This clockwise loop spans approximately 3,900 miles (6,300 km), making it the longest migration of any hummingbird species relative to body size.

🌸Spring Migration: The Northward Loop In late winter and spring, they travel northward along the Pacific Coast, heading toward Washington, Oregon, and the westernmost parts of Canada. They arrive in Washington and British Columbia by May. 🏔️Fall Migration: The Southward Loop As early as July, they move through the high mountain meadows of the Rocky Mountains, then fly directly to Mexico for the winter. They reside in southern Mexico, particularly in the woodlands of Guerrero state. Their southward route also takes them through parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Climate Change Affects the Migration of Rufous Hummingbird Due to warming temperatures, an increasing number of Rufous hummingbirds no longer fly all the way back to Mexico. Instead, they now choose to spend the winter along the U.S. Gulf Coast, including Texas and Louisiana.

Range and Migration Route of Rufous Hummingbird by https://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Source: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rufous_Hummingbird/maps-range

How to Attract Rufous Hummingbirds to Your Backyard

When to Expect Rufous Hummingbirds

Keep in mind that the Rufous hummingbird is a migratory species, spending much of the year traveling. It is difficult to expect them to appear in your garden or to stay for long periods.

To attract them, your preparations should align with their arrival time in your region. In general: Spring: Visible in California. Summer: Appears in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Fall: Visible in the Rocky Mountains as they migrate southward.

Best Plants for Rufous Hummingbirds

Native plants have a peak bloom times that naturally synchronize with the hummingbird's migration schedule, providing reliable nectar when these travelers need it most.

Spring Bloomers: Golden Currant (Ribes aureum): Native to western North America; fragrant golden-yellow flowers bloom in early spring, offering an early-season nectar source. Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa): Native to western North America; red-and-yellow spurred flowers that bloom in late spring.

Summer Bloomers: Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata): Native to western and central North America; brilliant red tubular flowers, a classic hummingbird magnet. Penstemon / Beardtongue (Penstemon spp.): Multiple native species across North America; tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple, blooming from early to late summer. Bee Balm / Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Native to much of North America; lavender-pink tubular flowers that hummers find irresistible.

Late Summer to Fall Bloomers: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Native to eastern North America; striking bright red flowers that bloom in late summer. Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium): Native to northern and western North America; tall spikes of pinkish-purple flowers, abundant along the Rufous migration route.

Pro Tip: 💡If you live in the eastern U.S., Cardinal Flower and Bee Balm are excellent choices. 💡In the West, prioritize Penstemon, Columbine, and Scarlet Gilia. 💡For a climbing option, Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) offers vibrant tubular blooms on a trellis or fence.

Seasonal Distribution of the Rufous Hummingbird by https://www.allaboutbirds.org/

Source: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rufous_Hummingbird/maps-range

Be Thoughtful When Hang Hummingbird Feeders for Rufous

The migration of the Rufous hummingbird is closely tied to the timing of blooming events. However, climate change may create mismatches between peak bloom times and Rufous hummingbird migration.

As Rufous populations decline, your feeders can provide very helpful support. But proper feeder placement matters.

Hang multiple feeders: Experts recommend using as many as seven to eight feeders. Space them apart: Place feeders 6 to 20 feet (about 2–6 meters) from one another. Use plants as visual barriers. Avoid direct sunlight: Choose shaded or partially shaded spots. Do not move feeders often: If you wish to have Rufous hummingbirds visit frequently, plan the locations carefully before hanging them, then leave them in place. Clean feeders regularly: every few days in hot weather to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Use the Simple Recipe

Sugar Water Recipe is Enough: The Safe 4:1 Ratio

• ✅4 parts water : 1 part white sugar
• ✅Boil the water, then add the sugar gradually while stirring to help it dissolve.
• ✅Allow the mixture to cool completely before filling the feeder.

What to Avoid:

• ❌ Do not use honey: it promotes fungal and botulism growth.
• ❌ Do not use brown sugar or artificial sweeteners.
• ❌ Do not add red dye: the red decorations on the feeder are sufficient to attract them.

A Rufous hummingbird visiting a hummingbird feeder by Steph Pereira

Source: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/644774457

Retain Some Insects as Natural Hummingbird Food

In addition to providing nectar and sugar-water feeders, insects are a crucial factor in attracting and retaining Rufous hummingbirds. Up to 60% of a hummingbird's diet actually consists of small insects, spiders, and other arthropods.

Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides not only eliminate the hummingbird's food source but can also harm the birds' health through direct contact. Keep leaf litter and spiderwebs: Leaf litter provides habitat for many small insects. Hummingbirds capture small flying insects (such as gnats and midges) from the air, and also obtain insects from spiderwebs or leaves.

Provide a Water Source

Hummingbirds maintain fluid balance by efficiently processing excess water. In hot weather, they also need additional water to prevent dehydration, especially during long-distance migration when energy expenditure is high.

Rufous hummingbirds show a preference for shallow, moving water for bathing and cooling off. A mister or misting device can also attract hummingbirds to your backyard. Many hummingbirds enjoy flying through mist and rolling about on wet leaves to bathe. During hot weather, an adequate water supply helps prevent hummingbirds from becoming dehydrated.

References for Learning About the Rufous Hummingbird:

For those eager to dive deeper into the fascinating world of the Rufous Hummingbird, here are some valuable resources:

Celebrate Urban Birds: Rufous Hummingbird

All About Birds: Rufous Hummingbird Guide

Audubon Field Guide: Rufous Hummingbird

EnviroLiteracy: How to Attract Rufous Hummingbirds

Los Bird: Selasphorus Hummingbird Identification

USDA Forest Service: Rufous Hummingbird Pollinator of the Month

Flathead Audubon: Bird of the Month - Rufous Hummingbirds

The Condor: Academic Article on Rufous Hummingbirds

Pacific Birds: Hummingbird Report PDF

Audubon Magazine: Turn Your Yard into a Hummingbird Spectacular

EnviroLiteracy: What Do Rufous Hummingbirds Eat?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Rufous Hummingbird look like?

The Rufous Hummingbird is characterized by its brilliant orange-red throat (gorget) and rusty red back. Males have a white breast and iridescent throat patch, while females display more muted colors.

Where can I find Rufous Hummingbirds?

Rufous Hummingbirds are commonly found in North America, particularly in the western regions during their migration. They prefer habitats with abundant flowers and feeders, especially during the spring and summer months.

Are Rufous Hummingbirds aggressive?

Yes, Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their aggressive behavior, especially during mating season. Males often defend their feeding territories vigorously against other birds.

What do Rufous Hummingbirds eat?

Rufous Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, but they also consume small insects and spiders for protein. They are attracted to brightly colored blooms and hummingbird feeders.

How small is a Rufous Hummingbird?

The Rufous Hummingbird is one of the smallest hummingbird species, measuring about 3 inches (8 centimeters) in length and weighing only three to four grams.