Hummingbirds
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus
rufus
Description
3 1/2-4" (9-10 cm). Male has bright
rufous upperparts and flanks and iridescent orange-red throat.
Female green above, with rufous tinge on rump and flanks, and much
rufous in tail. Adult male Allen's Hummingbird has green crown and
back; female and immature Allen's not safely separable from Rufous
in field, but have narrower outer tail feathers. Female
Ruby-throated and Black-chinned similar, but lack rufous on rump and
flanks. See Calliope and Broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Voice
An abrupt, high-pitched zeee; various thin
squealing notes.
Habitat
Mountain meadows, forest edges; on
migration and in winter frequents gardens with hummingbird feeding
stations.
Nesting
2 white eggs in a lichen-covered cup of
plant down and spiderweb attached to a horizontal branch.
Range
Breeds from southeastern Alaska, British
Columbia, southwestern Alberta, and western Montana south to
Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and northern California. Winters mainly
in Mexico. Occurs in small numbers along Gulf Coast during migration
and in winter.
Discussion
In the East, this species is known as
a scarce migrant and winter visitor to Louisiana and Florida. While
in that area it feeds chiefly on the flowers of hibiscus and salvia,
which often bloom all winter long. A few birds generally spend the
winter but may disappear abruptly when the first severe cold spell
occurs. Hummingbirds share certain traits. The first bird to
discover a source of food defends it. Even when satiated, it will
perch nearby and intercept intruders in the air with angry buzzing.
If a female is disturbed when feeding, she gives a "no trespassing"
signal by fanning and waving her tail. Females, therefore, have
developed distinct tail patterns, whereas males, facing the
opponent, signal with their brilliant throat patches, called
gorgets.
Hummingbirds