Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a common hummingbird found in 5 countries, weighing about 4 g. The rufous hummingbird is a small hummingbird, about 8 cm (3 in) long with a long, straight and slender bill.
About the Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is a small hummingbird, about 8 cm (3 in) long with a long, straight and slender bill. These birds are known for their extraordinary flight skills, flying 3,200 kilometres during their migratory transits. It is one of nine species in the genus Selasphorus.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Costa Rica, St. Pierre & Miquelon.
When to see it
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, with peak activity in May. It is a summer visitor species across most of its range.
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Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Rufous Hummingbird?
- The adult male has a white breast, rufous face, flanks and tail, and an iridescent orange-red throat patch or gorget. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Rufous Hummingbird?
- The Rufous Hummingbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 4 g.
- Where can you see a Rufous Hummingbird?
- The Rufous Hummingbird occurs in 5 countries, including the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Rufous Hummingbird?
- The Rufous Hummingbird is most easily confused with the Allen's Hummingbird, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird and the Calliope Hummingbird.
- Is the Rufous Hummingbird endangered?
- The Rufous Hummingbird is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
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