Home, near and far.
This species breeds from southern Alaska through western Canada and south to northern California and central Idaho. Its nonbreeding distribution covers western Mexico, with increasing sightings along the Gulf Coast states.
Birds Heard
FIELD GUIDE
FIELD GUIDE
Hummingbirds
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
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.
MigratorySmall sizeChipping callsNectar, insects
- Length
- 7-10 cm
- Wingspan
- 10-11 cm
- Weight
- 2-5 g
Typical adult measurements.
Individuals and populations vary.
01 / The telltale details
You’ll know it
when you see it.
Start with shape and behavior. Then look for the smaller details.
- 01
Adult Male
Bright orange on the back and belly, with a vivid, iridescent red-orange throat (gorget) that can appear yellow or green in different lighting.
- 02
Female
Green back, rufous-washed flanks, and rufous patches in the green tail. Often has a spot of orange on the throat.
- 03
Juvenile
Resembles the adult female, with a green back and rufous on the sides and tail. Immature males gradually acquire iridescent throat feathers.
- 04
Bill and Tail
Possesses a slender, nearly straight bill. The tail tapers to a point when folded, and wings are relatively short.
02 / A place in the world
Where life
takes it.
Rufous Hummingbirds breed in open or shrubby areas, including forest edges, clearings, and brushy hillsides. During migration, they can be found in mountain meadows and a variety of flowering habitats. They winter primarily in pine-oak forests.
Stay a while. Or follow the season.
Rufous Hummingbirds undertake one of the longest migrations of any bird, traveling from Alaska to Mexico. They typically move northwest along the Pacific Coast in spring and southeast through the Rocky Mountains in fall.
03 / Listen a little closer
A voice
of its own.
Males produce a call note described as a 'tzee' and a longer 'tzee-chupppity-chup.' Their wings also create a rattling sound during display dives.
04 / The life behind the feathers
A day in its world.
On the menu.
Their primary diet consists of nectar from colorful, tubular flowers. They supplement this with insects, such as gnats, midges, and flies, which provide essential protein and fat.
These hummingbirds typically feed at flowers while hovering, extending their long tongues deep inside. They also catch small insects in midair or pluck them from foliage and spiderwebs.
A place to begin.
The female Rufous Hummingbird builds a compact, cup-shaped nest alone, using soft plant down and spider silk, camouflaged with lichen, moss, and bark. Nests are often placed in coniferous or deciduous trees, hidden in drooping branches.
The little routines.
Known for their aggressive and territorial nature, Rufous Hummingbirds will actively defend food sources and breeding territories against other hummingbirds and even larger birds. They are generally solitary outside of breeding.
One more reason to pay attention
A familiar face.
A few surprises.
Rufous Hummingbirds breed farther north than any other hummingbird species in the world, reaching southeastern Alaska.
They are considered one of the most aggressive hummingbirds in North America, often chasing away other species from feeders and flowers.
This species exhibits strong fidelity to its breeding sites, wintering sites, and migration routes, often returning to the same locations annually.
05 / An eye for the difference
Could it be
someone else?
Allen's Hummingbird
Selasphorus sasinMale Rufous Hummingbirds have entirely rufous backs, while male Allen's Hummingbirds typically have green backs, though some may show rufous. Females and immatures are nearly indistinguishable.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubrisRufous Hummingbirds have a wash of rufous on their sides and tail base, which is absent in Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Selasphorus platycercusWhile both can have iridescent throats, the male Rufous is predominantly orange, whereas the male Broad-tailed has a green back and rose-red gorget.
Behind these field notesResearch & references · 12 sources
AI-assisted species research. Prepared September 2026. Details can vary across regions and populations.