Hummingbirds are some of the most spectacular and unique birds in the world. Known for their diminutive size, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds captivate people with their beauty and astonishing talents. One interesting fact about hummingbirds is that males and females can look quite different from one another – read on to learn more!
Do male and female hummingbirds have different colored plumage?
Yes, male and female hummingbirds often have noticeably different plumage colors. The most striking example is seen in species where the male has vibrant, iridescent plumage whereas the female is much duller in color.
For instance, male Anna’s Hummingbirds have a striking rose-pink head and throat, a dark rose-red belly, and an iridescent emerald green back and tail. Females lack the bright pink and red colors, instead having gray-green upperparts and lighter underparts with gray scaling.
Similar differences can be seen in other species like Allen’s and Costa’s Hummingbirds, where males sport bright fuchsia gorgets (throat feathers) and the females are green on top with pale, speckled underparts. The contrast makes it very easy to distinguish males from females in these species.
Why do they have different colored feathers?
There are two main reasons behind the differences in male and female hummingbird plumage:
Camouflage
The duller female plumage provides camouflage while nesting and incubating eggs. Bright male plumage would make them more visible to predators. Female hummingbirds tend to do the majority of nesting duties, so their plumage is adapted for subtlety and blending into the environment.
Attracting mates
The vibrant, iridescent plumage of males has evolved to attract females. Females do not need elaborate colors to attract males, so they tend to be plainly colored. The striking males are easier for females to spot and assess as potential mates. The bright colors indicate fitness, good genes, and quality nutrition while growing the feathers.
Do males and females have size differences?
In most hummingbird species, the females are slightly larger than the males. For example, a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird may measure 2.8-3.5 in long whereas a female is 3.1-3.5 in.
The size dimorphism is believed to have evolved because of differences in energetic needs between the sexes. Females require more energy reserves for producing eggs and incubating. Their larger size provides space for larger fat stores and more muscle mass.
The only exceptions are hummingbirds in the bee and mountain gem groups. In these species, males and females are similar in size.
Do males and females have different bill shapes?
Male and female hummingbirds generally do not have major differences in bill shape or length. Most species exhibit very subtle distinctions that can only be detected upon close inspection and measurement.
However, there are a couple interesting exceptions:
– Sword-billed Hummingbird: The male’s bill is about 30-40% longer than the female’s. This extreme length helps the male access nectar from specialized long-tubed flowers.
– Darwin’s Starfrontlet: Males have longer, more curved bills compared to females. This shape complements the male’s elaborate head feathers for courtship displays.
Do young hummingbirds resemble adult males or females?
Young hummingbirds initially resemble adult females in plumage coloration. Both male and female chicks start off with the drab grey or green feathers typical of adult females.
As the males mature, their plumage changes dramatically as the bright fuchsia, red, orange, or iridescent feathers grow in. This typically starts happening around their first autumn/winter. Full adult plumage is usually complete halfway through the second year.
Females undergo molts as they age but do not transition to the elaborately colored feathers seen in males. Their plumage remains similar over their lifespan after reaching adulthood.
How can you tell male and female hummingbirds apart?
Here are some tips for identifying the sex of hummingbirds:
Plumage Differences
Look for differences in gorget and body feather coloration. Males tend to have bright splashes of color whereas females are more subtly colored.
Be Patient
It can take time observing behavior to definitively ID males and females. Females are most noticeable when on nests. Males are easier to spot displaying and visiting feeders frequently.
Size
Females tend to be slightly larger on average. However, size differences can be subtle and are not a foolproof indicator.
Young birds
Young males will resemble adult females until their first molt when colorful feathers grow in. Most young birds are females.
Amazing Examples of Male Hummingbird Species
To highlight the incredible spectrum of colors and adaptations in male hummingbirds, here are some stunning examples:
Anna’s Hummingbird
The male’s head and throat are iridescent rose-pink. When sunlight hits, these feathers shine brilliant magenta.
Blue-throated Hummingbird
Males of this large hummingbird species have a dazzling bright blue gorget with a thin black border. Their other feathers are sparkling green.
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Males have a distinctive elongated bill and puffy white pants. Their head and throat glitter with an iridescent violet sheen.
Fiery Topaz
This hummingbird is aptly named for the male’s brilliant orange head and throat. Their body is a shimmery olive-green with a violet tail.
Sparkling Violetear
As the name suggests, males of this widespread species have an area of shiny violet surrounded by iridescent turquoise on their throat and around their eyes.
Amazing Examples of Female Hummingbird Species
While female hummingbirds are not as vibrantly colored, they have an understated beauty and elegance:
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Females have a pale whitish underside with greenish upperparts. They can be identified by the blackish lower mandible and lack of gorget.
Buff-tailed Coronet
This rainforest species exhibits subtle differences between genders. Males have a purple throat while females have buff-white underparts and bronzy green upperparts.
Rufous Hummingbird
Females are bright green on top with rufous-washed sides and a bold white belly. Their pointed bill helps reach nectar.
Violet-bellied Hummingbird
As the name suggests, the male has brilliant violet underparts. The female is more subtly colored olive green above and pale cream below with dull cinnamon sides.
Xantus’s Hummingbird
This species shows one of the most dramatic differences. Males are brightly colored whereas females are dull grey-green on top with a pale underside and buffy flanks.
Do males and females behave differently?
There are some key differences in behavior between male and female hummingbirds:
Feeding
Males are more aggressive and territorial at feeders. They spend more time chasing other males away. Females are shyer and only occasionally chase others.
Courting
Males perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in pendulum motions and dive displays to impress females. Females are relatively passive but will mate with males they find suitably impressive.
Nesting
Females alone build the nest, incubate eggs, and care for hatchlings. Males play no role in these parenting duties.
Social
Males are solitary outside of the breeding season. Females maintain loose social associations with other females over winter.
Vocalizations
Male vocalizations are complex songs to court females or proclaim territory. Female calls are simpler chirps used in social interactions.
Interesting facts about male hummingbirds
Here are some fascinating facts specifically about male hummingbirds:
– Male Anna’s Hummingbirds can climb up to 100 feet in elaborate breeding dives. They reach speeds of over 60 mph!
– Male hummingbirds of many species have specialized throat feathers that produce musical sounds during courtship dives.
– The Bee Hummingbird holds the record as the world’s smallest bird. Males measure just 2 inches long and weigh 2 grams.
– Young males may start breeding while still in their female-like plumage before colors come in with maturity.
– Males of some hummingbird species gather at specialized lek sites to perform competitive displays for watching females.
– Male hummingbirds lose weight overnight after vigorously courting females all day long. They have to feed heavily each morning to rebuild their energy reserves.
Interesting facts about female hummingbirds
Fascinating facts about female hummingbird biology and behavior include:
– Female hummingbirds have the unique ability to double the number of eggs they lay each season if food is plentiful. No other birds can do this.
– Females alone build the nest out of spider silk, lichens, and plant down. The tiny cups are only 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep.
– A female hummingbird’s heart rate can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute while incubating in low oxygen conditions.
– Female Broad-tailed Hummingbirds travel over 800 miles between their breeding and wintering grounds – one of the longest migrations relative to body size.
– Female hummingbirds are highly territorial. They claim prime nectar resources and aggressively chase other birds away, even males of their own species.
– A female Rufous Hummingbird was recorded feeding on sap from holes drilled by a sapsucker woodpecker. This is unusual behavior.
Conclusion
In most hummingbird species, male and female plumage differs dramatically. Males sport vibrant colors that help attract mates and intimidate rivals. Meanwhile, females have more camouflaged, inconspicuous plumage that aids in nesting duties. Males perform elaborate courtship displays but provide no parental care. Females alone incubate eggs and raise chicks. While males are solitary, females maintain loose social bonds. Despite their small size, hummingbirds exhibit captivating adaptations related to breeding strategies and behaviors between the sexes. Paying attention to plumage and behaviors provides clues for distinguishing males from females. Next time you see a hummingbird, take a closer look to determine if its spectacular colors indicate a male or if subtle camouflage hints at a hard-working female.
