Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

Order: Apodiformes / Family: Trochilidae

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About the Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird, scientifically known as Selasphorus rufus, stands out as one of the most remarkable migratory birds in North America. This species embarks on an extensive journey each year, covering distances of up to 3,900 miles from its breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska to its wintering habitats in Mexico. Such long-distance travel is unparalleled among birds of its size.

Beyond its impressive migration, the Rufous Hummingbird holds ecological importance as both a pollinator and a prey species. In the varied landscapes it traverses, including coastal forests and mountain meadows, it plays a crucial role in pollinating native flora such as the red columbine and Indian paintbrush. These relationships illustrate the bird's integral part in maintaining the health and reproduction of diverse plant communities.

During the breeding season, which spans from March to July, the Rufous Hummingbird favors habitats rich in floral resources, often at elevations ranging from sea level to subalpine zones. Its presence in these habitats highlights the bird's adaptability and its ability to thrive in a range of environments from dense coastal woodlands to open alpine fields. This adaptability also underscores its significance in the ecosystems it inhabits, as it supports not only plant populations but also contributes to the food web as prey for larger birds and mammals.

The Rufous Hummingbird's seasonal behaviors also underscore its ecological role. During migration, it becomes more visible in urban and suburban areas, taking advantage of backyard feeders and gardens. This interaction not only aids in its survival but also affords bird enthusiasts the opportunity to observe its vibrant plumage and dynamic feeding behaviors up close. As the Rufous Hummingbird continues to navigate its annual journey, it remains a symbol of resilience and ecological connectivity across the regions it inhabits.

The Rufous Hummingbird belongs to the family Trochilidae, within the order Apodiformes. These birds typically live average lifespan of 3-5 years, with a maximum recorded of 8 years..

How to Identify a Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is a small, vibrant bird with adult males displaying a brilliant orange-red plumage that is unmistakable. Their back and sides shine with a deep, iridescent copper hue, contrasting strikingly with their white underparts. The males also feature a vivid red throat, known as a gorget, which can appear dark or black depending on the light angle. This feature is particularly useful in distinguishing them from similar species.

Females and juveniles, though less striking, still carry distinctive field marks. They exhibit green backs and sides, with an orange wash on their flanks and a white belly. Their gorget, while less pronounced, often contains some orange or speckled patches. Both sexes have a straight, slender bill and wings that extend beyond the tail when perched, aiding in their identification.

In flight, their silhouette is characterized by rapid wingbeats, a slightly hunched posture, and a tail that is often spread wide, revealing rufous and black markings. When perched, their small size and compact posture are evident, allowing them to blend seamlessly with foliage. Despite these clear identifiers, confusion with the Allen's Hummingbird can occur, especially in areas where their ranges overlap. However, subtle differences in tail feathers and throat coloration can help distinguish the two.

Having trouble telling birds apart? Upload a photo to our bird identification tool for an instant species match.

Rufous Hummingbird Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

The Rufous Hummingbird thrives in diverse habitats. During breeding, it often inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, and meadows in the Pacific Northwest, extending into southern Alaska. These habitats provide abundant floral resources essential for feeding and nesting.

In winter, the bird shifts to habitats in Mexico that include shrubby clearings and tropical deciduous forests. These environments offer the nectar and insects crucial for its diet during these months. Urban gardens and feeders also become vital resources during migration, providing sustenance in suburban and residential areas.

This adaptability allows the Rufous Hummingbird to occupy elevations from sea level regions to mountainous areas as high as 10,000 feet. Such elevation flexibility ensures that the bird can locate suitable feeding grounds regardless of its seasonal location. Its presence in both rural and urban settings illustrates its resilience and ability to exploit a range of environments for survival.

Geographic Range

The Rufous Hummingbird's breeding range primarily encompasses the Pacific Northwest, extending from southern Alaska through British Columbia to northern California. During this time, it frequents coastal areas and inland regions rich in flowering plants.

Its wintering range is primarily in Mexico, specifically in the states of Jalisco, Oaxaca, and Michoacán, where the climate remains temperate and suitable for its dietary needs. Notably, it utilizes a well-documented migration corridor along the western United States, passing through states such as Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California.

While on migration, the Rufous Hummingbird is often observed in various habitats, including gardens, parks, and natural reserves, where it temporarily lingers to refuel. Population densities tend to be higher in areas with ample floral resources, such as coastal regions and mountain meadows. The bird's widespread presence across these vast territories underscores its impressive migratory capabilities and ecological adaptability.

Want to know which birds visit your area? Browse our backyard birds by location guides for region-specific species lists.

What Does the Rufous Hummingbird Eat?

The Rufous Hummingbird's diet primarily consists of nectar from a variety of flowering plants. It favors red tubular flowers such as columbine, penstemon, and paintbrush, which offer high-energy resources essential for its active lifestyle.

In addition to nectar, the Rufous Hummingbird supplements its diet with small insects and spiders. These protein-rich food sources are crucial, particularly during the breeding season when the demand for nutrients increases. The bird employs agile aerial maneuvers to capture these prey, often snatching them mid-flight or gleaning them from vegetation.

Seasonal diet changes occur as the bird migrates, with nectar sources varying according to regional floral availability. During migration, feeders filled with sugar water become important stops, providing the energy needed for the next leg of its journey. The Rufous Hummingbird typically forages throughout the day, exhibiting peak feeding activity during the early morning and late afternoon.

Want to attract Rufous Hummingbirds to your yard? See our recommended feeders and seed types for the best results.

Rufous Hummingbird Behavior and Social Structure

The Rufous Hummingbird exhibits a solitary nature, especially during migration and the non-breeding season. Despite this, it displays aggressive territorial behavior, particularly when defending feeding sites. The males engage in dramatic aerial displays to ward off intruders, often accompanied by sharp vocalizations and rapid dives.

During courtship, the males perform elaborate mating displays that include high-speed dives and rapid shuttle flights to attract females. These displays are critical in establishing mating opportunities and ensuring reproductive success.

In response to predators, the Rufous Hummingbird relies on its speed and agility to escape. When threatened, it may also employ alarm calls to warn other nearby birds. The bird's daily activity pattern includes periods of intense feeding interspersed with rest, often perched inconspicuously in the foliage.

Flocking behavior is uncommon, with the bird generally found alone or in loose associations around abundant food sources. Its highly territorial nature means it rarely tolerates the presence of others, ensuring it maintains access to critical resources throughout the day.

Rufous Hummingbird Nesting and Reproduction

The Rufous Hummingbird constructs a cup-shaped nest, meticulously built with soft plant materials, spider silk, and lichen. This combination provides both strength and camouflage, essential for protecting the nest from predators.

Preferred nest sites include sheltered branches of shrubs or trees, often placed 5 to 15 feet above the ground. The female alone undertakes the construction process, which can take several days to a week to complete.

The typical clutch size consists of two eggs, with an incubation period lasting approximately 15 to 17 days. During this time, the female remains solely responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the hatchlings. Once hatched, the young remain in the nest for about 20 to 22 days before fledging, during which time the mother provides constant feeding and protection.

The Rufous Hummingbird generally raises one to two broods per year, depending on the availability of resources and weather conditions. This reproductive strategy ensures that the species can maximize its reproductive output while navigating the challenges of its extensive migratory lifestyle.

Rufous Hummingbird Sounds and Vocalizations

The Rufous Hummingbird produces a distinctive series of sharp, high-pitched chips, often heard during aggressive interactions at feeding sites. Its primary song consists of a rapid, rhythmic sequence of chirps and trills that can be quite variable.

Alarm calls are more urgent and staccato, serving as warnings to other hummingbirds about potential threats. These calls are particularly noticeable during territorial disputes or when predators are nearby.

The dawn chorus of the Rufous Hummingbird is less pronounced than that of other songbirds, but during this time, males may perform their songs more frequently, especially during the breeding season. The sounds can resemble the rapid tapping of a small drum, adding a rhythmic quality to the bird's vocal repertoire.

Interesting Facts About the Rufous Hummingbird

1The Rufous Hummingbird can remember the location of flowers visited over a year ago, demonstrating incredible spatial memory.
2During migration, the Rufous Hummingbird can achieve speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, covering vast distances efficiently.
3The Rufous Hummingbird's heart beats over 1,200 times per minute during exertion, supporting its high-energy lifestyle.
4Despite their small size, Rufous Hummingbirds can fly nonstop for hundreds of miles, showcasing extraordinary endurance.
5The Rufous Hummingbird can hover in place by beating its wings up to 52 times per second, an adaptation for nectar feeding.
6Their vibrant colors result from microscopic platelets in the feathers reflecting light, not pigments.
7Rufous Hummingbirds have been observed at altitudes over 12,000 feet during migration, highlighting their adaptability.

Rufous Hummingbird Conservation Status

The Rufous Hummingbird is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, with population trends showing a decline in numbers. Primary threats include habitat loss due to urban development and climate change, which affects the availability of nectar sources and nesting sites. Conservation efforts focus on preserving critical habitats along migration routes and in breeding and wintering areas. Initiatives include habitat restoration projects and the establishment of protected areas to safeguard essential floral resources. Historically, the population of the Rufous Hummingbird has fluctuated with changes in land use and climate patterns. Continued monitoring and research are vital to understand long-term trends and implement effective conservation strategies to ensure the survival of this remarkable species.

Attracting Rufous Hummingbirds to Your Feeder

The Rufous Hummingbird is a regular visitor to backyard bird feeders across its range. At the Eye On The Fly feeding station, we observe Rufous Hummingbirds regularly and capture footage with our feeder cameras.

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