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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.
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