A small fiercely territorial hummingbird; males brilliant rusty-red. Among the most aggressive of US hummingbirds.

Native status: Native to Pacific Coast

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 in); wingspan 10–11 cm
Weight3–4 g
LifespanWild typically 3–5 years; oldest banded 7
OrderApodiformes
FamilyTrochilidae

§ Encyclopedia

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.

Source: Wikipedia — Rufous hummingbird Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Males: brilliant rusty-red on back and throat. Females: green back with rusty flanks.

Similar species. Allen's Hummingbird (very similar). Calliope Hummingbird (smaller).

Voice. Sharp chip calls.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Nectar, insects, spiders.

Behavior. Highly territorial. Males perform spectacular dive displays. Migrates long distances.

§ Range

Western North America in summer; winters Mexico

§ Habitat

Diverse: forests, meadows, gardens

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change, declining nectar resources.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the rufous hummingbird is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Maintain hummingbird gardens. Plant native flowering plants.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2018