When it comes to hummingbirds, the males and females often look quite different from one another. The males tend to be brightly colored with iridescent throats and crowns to attract females. Females, on the other hand, tend to be less vibrantly colored. They need to blend in on the nest for camouflage. So if you spot a green hummingbird, is it a male or a female?
Quick Answer
Typically, green hummingbirds are female. The green coloration allows them to blend in with their surroundings while nesting. However, there are some exceptions. In certain hummingbird species, the males can also appear mostly green. So you have to look at other features besides color to definitively distinguish males from females.
Green Female Hummingbirds
When it comes to hummingbirds, females are more likely to be green than males. Here are some of the most common green female hummingbirds:
- Anna’s Hummingbird – Females are mostly green on the back and head with grey undersides.
- Calliope Hummingbird – Female Calliopes are green on the back with white undersides dotted with green spots.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Females have green backs and white bellies with green flanks.
- Rufous Hummingbird – Female Rufous hummers are green on the back with rust colored flanks.
The green coloration provides female hummingbirds with camouflage. By blending in with leaves and branches, they can disguise their nests and avoid predators while incubating eggs and raising chicks. Males don’t take part in nesting duties, so they are free to sport flashy colors to attract mates.
Exceptions – Green Males
Although green hummingbirds are usually female, some species also have green males. Here are a few examples:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Some male Ruby-throats can appear mostly green, especially in poor lighting.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Males have a bright purple throat patch, but otherwise are metallic green.
- Costa’s Hummingbird – Males are mostly green with purple throat feathers called a gorget.
Even though these males are green, they will usually still have some splashes of color from iridescent feathers. The purple, red, or orange throats indicate that they are males. Females lack any bright coloring on their throats.
Differences Between Males and Females
When determining the sex of a hummingbird, you need to look beyond just color. Here are some of the main physical differences between males and females:
| Male Traits | Female Traits |
|---|---|
| Bright iridescent throat feathers (gorget) | Lack throat feathers |
| Splashes of color on throat, crown, or tail | Mostly plain green, grey or brown |
| Thinner, more tapered tail | Square-tipped or rounded tail |
| Smaller in size | Larger in size |
As you can see, male hummingbirds tend to be more vibrantly colored on their throats, crowns, or tail feathers. Females are mostly camouflage green with very little coloration. Also look at tail shape and size as indicators – males have thinner, more forked tails.
Juvenile Hummingbirds
Another complication is young juvenile hummingbirds. Juveniles of both sexes resemble adult females. They have the green back coloration for camouflage as they develop. The differences between males and females will become more apparent as they mature.
Here are some tips for identifying juvenile hummingbirds:
- Look at time of year – Juveniles fledge in high summer
- Inspect the throat – Juveniles lack colored throat feathers
- Note size – Juveniles are smaller than adults
- Watch behavior – Juveniles have clumsy flight patterns
So if you notice small, green hummingbirds clumsy flying around with no colored throats in mid to late summer, they are likely juveniles of either sex. The differences between young males and females can be subtle at first.
How to Tell Sex of Hummingbirds
Here are some tips for determining if a green hummingbird in your yard is male or female:
1. Check the throat
Look closely at the hummingbird’s throat. If you see any bright iridescent feathers like purple, red or orange, it’s a male. The flashy throat is a badge of masculinity to attract females.
2. Inspect tail shape
Male hummingbird tails are thinner and more deeply forked. Female tails are wider and square-tipped or slightly rounded.
3. Consider time of year
Female hummingbirds alone raise the young. If it’s spring or early summer, green hummers are likely females nesting. Males don’t stick around for parenting duties.
4. Note body size
Females are larger than males. If you can compare it to other hummers visiting your feeders, smaller size indicates a male.
5. Watch flight patterns
Male hummers have more elegant, acrobatic flight for aerial displays. Female flight is more direct and pragmatic.
6. Pay attention to behavior
Aggressive or territorial behavior indicates a male defending a food source. Females spend more time quietly feeding.
Conclusion
Green hummingbirds are most likely to be females, but males of some species can also appear green. To definitively identify the sex, look at throat color, tail shape, behaviors and time of year. The differences can be subtle, so you may need to observe patiently over time. Getting to know your backyard hummingbirds takes careful observation and patience. With a little practice, you’ll soon spot the key identification characteristics that reveal their sex and age.
