Species · GBIF taxon 2476855
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufusAlso known as Rufous-backed Hummingbird, Red Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds are fiercely territorial dynamos, known to aggressively defend nectar sources from much larger birds and even bees. These tiny migrants travel thousands of miles annually in an immense clockwise loop across western North America, breeding as far north as Alaska and wintering in Mexico. Males display a brilliant, glowing orange-red throat gorget and a rich copper-colored back, while females show green backs with rufous-washed flanks.
MigratoryTerritorialNectar-feeding
Licensed referenceVJAnderson / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Tree sap
- Small insects and spiders
Predators
- Domestic cats
- Hawks
- Praying mantises
ThreatsHabitat loss, climate change shifting bloom times, and pesticide use
HabitatsConiferous forests, mountain meadows, gardens, and shrublands
Life span3 to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTrochilidae
- SpeciesSelasphorus rufus
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a tiny, aggressive copper-colored bird with a brilliant iridescent orange-red throat gorget.
- Support conservation
- Observe nesting females from a distance of at least ten meters to avoid causing nest abandonment.
Responsible observation
- Feeder Maintenance: Clean sugar-water feeders every few days to prevent deadly mold growth.
- Native Planting: Grow red tubular flowers like salvias and penstemons to attract them naturally.
- Keep Distance: Avoid approaching active nests to prevent parents from abandoning their eggs.
Competitor Robert McMorran, United States Fish and Wildlife Service / Public domain · cc0
Predator Luc Viatour / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Roberto Daniel Avila, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roberto Daniel Avila · cc-by
Close Relative Michelle Lynn Reynolds / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Dan Pancamo / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
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