Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus · Hummingbirds
The Rufous Hummingbird is a small, energetic bird known for its feisty demeanor and impressive migratory journeys. Males are particularly striking with their fiery orange plumage. This species is a widespread visitor across western North America, breeding further north than any other hummingbird.
Explore the full field guideMigratorySmall sizeChipping callsNectar, insects
2 calls·first heard Jul 4·last 93d ago
When it's heardpeak 12p · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Bright orange on the back and belly, with a vivid, iridescent red-orange throat (gorget) that can appear yellow or green in different lighting.
- Green back, rufous-washed flanks, and rufous patches in the green tail. Often has a spot of orange on the throat.
- Resembles the adult female, with a green back and rufous on the sides and tail. Immature males gradually acquire iridescent throat feathers.
- Possesses a slender, nearly straight bill. The tail tapers to a point when folded, and wings are relatively short.