Common Name: Rufous Hummingbird
Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus
Range in North America: Summer breeder along the northern Pacific coast, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia, with some individuals as far north as Alaska. Some birds will winter in the southeastern United States and along the Gulf Coast.
Male rufous hummingbirds are unmistakable with their orange plumage and iridescent orange-red gorget. Females are less distinct but have a rufous wash over their green upperparts and along their flanks bordering a white chest and abdomen. Females also have spotting on the throat.
These are fiercely territorial birds and rufous hummingbirds will regularly dive at and chase intruders near their nests or preferred feeding sites. They regularly come to nectar feeders but backyard birders should consider widely spacing multiple feeders to reduce aggression.
Photo © Pat Durkin
