Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds. Their bright, iridescent feathers shimmer in the sunlight as they dart from flower to flower, lapping up nectar with their long tongues. While both male and female hummingbirds share some similarities, there are a few key differences that allow you to distinguish males from females.
Size
The most noticeable difference between male and female hummingbirds is size. Male hummingbirds are typically smaller than females of the same species. For example, a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird may be 2.8-3.5 inches long, while a female is 3.5-3.75 inches long. The bill of a male hummingbird is usually shorter than a female’s bill as well.
Why are female hummingbirds larger? The extra size allows them to defend nesting territories and incubation duties more effectively. Male hummingbirds do not participate in sitting on the nest or raising young, so they do not need the same bulk.
Colors
In most hummingbird species, the males are more brightly colored and ornamented than the females. Vibrant gorgets (throat feathers) and spectacular crowns decorate male hummingbirds. Females, on the other hand, tend to be more subtly colored, with little to no ornamentation.
For example, a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a ruby red gorget, while the female has white throat feathers. Male Anna’s Hummingbirds sport a stunning rose-pink crown and throat, while females have gray-green upperparts and pale gray underparts with very little color on the throat.
The flashy colors and decorations on the male are thought to be an evolutionary adaptation for attracting females. Drab female plumage helps camouflage her while incubating eggs.
Tail Shape
Tail shape is another clue to help distinguish male hummingbirds from females. Male tail feathers are typically narrower and more pointed. Female tail feathers are more rounded and broader at the ends.
For instance, male Allen’s Hummingbirds have outer tail feathers that taper to a slender point, whereas the outer tail feathers of females have rounded tips. Examining tail shape takes some practice, but it’s a helpful distinguishing characteristic.
Behavior
Observing hummingbird behavior can provide clues to the bird’s sex. Male hummingbirds perform elaborate courtship displays to attract the attention of females. You may see males flying back and forth rapidly, climbing high into the air and then diving back down again. This flying dance, along with fancy chirps, songs, and wing buzzing, is a male’s way of showing off for watching females.
Additionally, males are more aggressive and territorial than females. They chase other males from their domain and compete for nectar resources. Females tend to avoid confrontations and conflicts.
Nesting
Only female hummingbirds build nests and incubate eggs. If you spot a hummingbird gathering spider silk, cotton, down, or other materials, carrying them to a tree branch or other structure, and shaping the materials into a tiny cup, you can be sure it is a female. Male hummingbirds may occasionally help gather materials, but the females take charge of nest construction and placement.
Brood Patch
A brood patch refers to a bare patch of skin on a bird’s belly that helps transfer heat to eggs during incubation. Females develop brood patches when it is time to nest. The loss of feathers exposes the vascularized skin directly to the eggs. If you notice a bare belly on an adult hummingbird, you can safely conclude it is a female.
Conclusion
Telling males and females apart takes some patience and practice, but focusing on a few key differences makes it possible:
- Females are typically larger with longer bills
- Males have more colorful plumage and ornamentation
- Male tail feathers are more pointed, while female tail feathers are rounded
- Males perform elaborate courtship displays
- Only females build nests and incubate eggs
- Females develop brood patches when nesting
Armed with the knowledge of these field marks, you can confidently identify the sex of hummingbirds buzzing around your yard or neighborhood. Getting to know these tiny birds and understanding their behaviors and biology is a fascinating and rewarding experience.
Common North American Hummingbird Species
Here is an overview of some of the most common hummingbird species found across North America, including details on how to identify males versus females:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Male: Ruby-red gorget, metallic green above, white below, rounded tail with black tip
Female: White throat, metallic green above, white below, rounded tail with black tip
Anna’s Hummingbird
Male: Rose-pink head and gorget, metallic green above and gray below, rounded tail with white tips
Female: Green head, gray body, rounded tail with white tips
Allen’s Hummingbird
Male: Orange throat, metallic green back, rufous sides, long pointed tail
Female: Green back, rufous sides, rounded tail
Rufous Hummingbird
Male: Orange throat, metallic green back, rufous sides, pointed tail
Female: Green back, rufous sides, rounded tail with white tips
Calliope Hummingbird
Male: Long purple streaks on white throat, metallic green back, rounded tail
Female: Dark green back, white below, rounded tail with white tips
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Male: Dark purple throat band, metallic green back, rounded tail
Female: Green above, pale gray below, rounded tail with white tips
How to Attract Hummingbirds
Here are some tips to make your yard or garden more attractive to hummingbirds:
- Plant colorful, nectar-rich flowers like petunias, lantana, fuchsia, and columbine
- Choose both native and non-native plants to provide blooms from spring through fall
- Use red feeders or incorporate red accents, as hummingbirds are drawn to that color
- Avoid pesticides that could be harmful to hummingbirds
- Provide fresh water in a spray bottle, shallow basin, or mister
- Sit quietly and watch for hummingbird activity, males are territorial and often return to the same perch
With a little effort, you can create an enticing sanctuary filled with sweet nectar that will attract these energetic, shimmering birds outside your window!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some ways I can provide food for hummingbirds?
Fill hummingbird feeders with a 1:4 ratio solution of white sugar dissolved in water. Do not use brown sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners or food coloring. Clean feeders thoroughly every few days to prevent mold growth. Also, plant nectar-producing flowers and flowering vines like trumpet vines, passionflowers and honeysuckles.
How often should hummingbird feeders be cleaned?
Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every 2-3 days during warm weather and every 4-5 days when it is cooler. Change the sugar water completely, take feeders apart, and wash all components in hot water. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry before refilling.
What is the best way to clean a hummingbird feeder?
Dish soap and a bottle brush are great for scrubbing the feeding ports and inner areas. Occasionally fill with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), let soak for several minutes, rinse very thoroughly until there is no bleach smell. Let air dry fully before refilling with fresh nectar.
Can I leave hummingbird feeders up over winter?
In warmer climates where hummingbirds are present year-round, feeders can be left up continuously. However, in colder regions with freezing winters, take feeders down by early November to encourage hummingbirds to migrate. Clean and store feeders over winter. Put feeders back up in early April before hummingbirds return.
What plants attract hummingbirds?
Some of the best flowering plants that attract hummingbirds include: cardinal flower, trumpet vine, salvia, petunias, fuchsia, bee balm, butterfly bush, honeysuckle, morning glory, columbine, penstemon, lantana, impatiens, flowering currant, and nasturtium.
At what age do hummingbirds leave the nest?
Young hummingbirds fledge and leave the nest at 3 weeks of age. However, they remain under the care and feeding of the mother for an additional 1-2 weeks until they become independent.
Conclusion
Identifying the sex of hummingbirds takes patience and practice. Focus on size, plumage colors, tail shape, behavior, and evidence of nesting to determine whether you are observing a colorful male or a camouflaged female. Attracting these energetic pollinators to your yard or garden with feeders, flowers, and nesting sites provides an up-close view of hummingbird biology and behavior.
