Rufous Hummingbird

This little bird has a big personality. Although rufous hummingbirds are mostly western birds, they do have a fairly large range. Learn how to attract rufous hummingbirds to your yard, and listen to their song.

Photo: Dave Ryan

• Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus.
• Family: Hummingbird.
• Length: 3-3/4 inches.
• Wingspan: 4-1/2 inches.
• Distinctive Markings: Male is reddish brown on back, base of crown and most of tail; scarlet gorget (throat). Female is metallic green above, white below and has pale rust-colored sides.
• Nest: May nest in loose colonies, up to 10 nests in one area.
• Song: Call note is "chewp chewp" and wings make high buzzing sound.
• Habitat: Most northern of hummingbirds, migrating as far as Alaska.
• Diet: Attracted to nectar and tree sap.
• Backyard Favorites: Likes red flowers; sugar water at feeders.