Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a diminutive avian marvel, measuring a mere 8 cm in length. It boasts a long, straight, and slender bill, perfectly adapted for sipping nectar. The males of the species are resplendent with a white breast, a rufous face, flanks, and tail, and an iridescent orange-red throat patch known as a gorget. Females, while slightly larger, display a more subdued palette with green, white, and iridescent orange feathers at the throat's center, and a dark tail adorned with white tips and a rufous base.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the Rufous Hummingbird, particularly the males, look for the characteristic "notched" shape of the second rectrix (R2). This is a key field mark to differentiate them from the similar Allen's Hummingbird. The males may also exhibit some green on their backs or crowns.

Habitat

These birds are found in open areas, mountainsides, and forest edges, where they can be seen zipping from flower to flower.

Distribution

The Rufous Hummingbird is a migratory species, with a breeding range that extends from southern Alaska through British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest down to California. They winter in the wooded areas of the Mexican state of Guerrero.

Behaviour

Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their aggressive territoriality, with males defending areas rich in flowers and females occupying territories with sparser floral resources. They are also renowned for their long migratory journeys, covering over 2,000 miles from their summer to winter habitats.

Breeding

The breeding grounds for Rufous Hummingbirds are typically open areas and forest edges in western North America. The female constructs a nest in a sheltered location within a shrub or conifer, while males are known to mate with multiple partners.

Similar Species

The Rufous Hummingbird is often confused with Allen's Hummingbird, especially when it comes to females and juvenile males. Close inspection and attention to the shape of the tail feathers are necessary for accurate identification.

Diet and Feeding

These hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers with their extendable tongues and catch insects mid-flight. They exhibit a fascinating behavior of becoming torpid at night to conserve energy.

Conservation status

As of 2018, the Rufous Hummingbird has been classified as Near Threatened due to the global decline in insect populations and the impact of climate change on the timing of flower blooms in their breeding areas.