Meet the Hummingbirds
Learn more about the 14 most common hummingbird species in North America.
By Stephen Kress and Elissa Wolfson
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
Although Rufous Hummingbirds weigh less than a quarter, they can fly 500 miles without stopping. These compact dynamos have hearts proportionally larger than other hummers and vigorously chase rivals from feeding areas. They conserve energy by roosting at lower elevations with warmer temperatures and by feeding during the day in higher, colder areas. Rufous Hummingbirds’ migration coincides with that of sapsuckers, whose nestholes provide an important source of sweet sap in early spring, when few flowers are available.
Length: 3.50 inches
Wingspan: 4.50 inches
Migration: Mexico to Alaska nesting sites — around 3,000 miles
Habitat: streamsides, forest edges, mountain meadows
Field marks: Relatively short-winged, it is the only rufous (red)-backed North American hummingbird. The upperparts are red-brown, and the throat is flaming orange-red.
Voice: The call is a high, hard chip “tyuk.” The male’s wings make a high, buzzy trill.
Nesting: The female lays two pure white eggs, then incubates and feeds chicks.
Feeding: flower nectar, includes native Columbine, bleeding heart, Solomon’s seal and salmonberry
Previous | Allen's Hummingbird | Anna's Hummingbird | Black-chinned Hummingbird | Blue-throated Hummingbird | Broad-billed Hummingbird | Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Buff-bellied Hummingbird | Calliope Hummingbird | Costa’s Hummingbird | Green-breasted Mango | Lucifer Hummingbird | Magnificent Hummingbird | Ruby-throated Hummingbird
This article originally appeared in Hummingbirds, part of BowTie Inc.'s Popular Birding Series.
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