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Often described as "feisty," the Rufous may have the
ideal size-to-weight ratio among North American hummingbirds. This
bird outflies all other species, and usually gets its way at feeders
at the expense of slower, less-maneuverable hummers. The Rufous
has the longest migration route of all US hummingbirds.
Physical Description
Average weight: male 3.22 g, female 3.41 g. Females are larger
than males.
Plumage
Adult male: Non-iridescent rufous crown, tail, and sides; back may
be rufous, green , or some of each; bright orange-red gorget, white
breast. Green-backed Rufous cannot be reliably separated from Allen's
in the field without extensive experience and a good view of the
spread tailfeathers through a scope.
Adult female: Green back and crown, white breast, streaked throat,
rufous sides and base of tail feathers, white tips on outer tail
feathers. Very similar to female Allen's and Broad-tailed.
Distribution
Observed in every state and province except Hawaii, Prince Edward
Island, and Quebec. There was even one very unusual report from
extreme eastern Siberia! The Rufous is the most widely-distributed
hummingbird in North America. Winters in Mexico and possibly Panama.
For maps showing population distribution and trends, see the National
Biological Service's North American Breeding Bird Survey species
account.
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