Calliope Hummingbird vs Rufous Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

Tiny3 gShrubland

The calliope is the smallest breeding bird found in Canada and the United States. An adult calliope hummingbird can measure 7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in) in length, span 11 cm (4.3 in) across the wings and weigh 2 to 3 g (0.071 to 0.106 oz). Calliope hummingbirds have glossy green on the back and crown with white underparts. The adult male has wine-red streaks on the gorget, green flanks, and a dark tail. When an adult male is competing for territory or females, the dark red feathers of its gorget distend outwards to create a more distinct appearance.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Dario · CC0

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

Tiny4 gForest

The adult male has a white breast, rufous face, flanks and tail, and an iridescent orange-red throat patch or gorget. Some males have some green on their back and/or crown. The female has green, white, and some iridescent orange feathers in the center of the throat, and a dark tail with white tips and a rufous base. The female is slightly larger than the male. Females and the rare green-backed males are difficult to differentiate from Allen's hummingbird.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Wendy McCrady · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Calliope Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird.