Hummingbirds are known for their small size, rapid wing beats, and ability to hover in mid-air. They are found only in the Americas. Of the over 300 different hummingbird species, several have distinctive red markings. The most common hummingbirds with red feathers are the ruby-throated hummingbird, rufous hummingbird, Allen’s hummingbird, and Anna’s hummingbird.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widespread hummingbird found east of the Mississippi River in the United States. As their name suggests, ruby-throated hummingbirds have brilliant metallic red feathers on their throat. The males have a gorget (throat patch) that can appear black in low light but shines ruby red in bright sunlight. Females lack the red throat patch. These tiny birds have green backs and white undersides and measure only 3-4 inches long. Ruby-throats migrate long distances, wintering in Central America and spending the summer across eastern North America.
Identification
To identify a ruby-throated hummingbird, look for these key characteristics:
- Small size, about 3-4 inches long
- Metallic green back
- White underside
- Splashes of red on throat (males only)
- Long slender bill
- Wings beat 55-75 times per second
The ruby-red throat is the best distinguishing feature of the male ruby-throated hummingbird. In bright light, the throat appears brilliant metallic red. Females lack any red on their throats.
Behavior
Ruby-throated hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and small insects. To feed, they use their long tongue to lap up nectar while hovering in place. Their wings beat 55 to 75 times per second on average. Ruby-throats are territorial and males will aggressively defend their feeding areas from intruders. Males perform aerial displays during courtship. In summer months, ruby-throats arefound in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges from the Canadian provinces to the Gulf Coast states.
Nesting
Female ruby-throats build a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant down and spider silk on the limb of a tree or shrub. The nest is only about 1.5 inches wide and may be camouflaged with bits of lichen or moss. The female lays 2 pea-sized white eggs and incubates them for 10-14 days. Once hatched, the nestlings fledge in about 3 weeks.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small hummingbird with distinctive rusty red feathers on the flanks, rump, and tail. The males are especially colorful with bright reddish-orange feathers covering their backs and bellies. This species is found along the Pacific Coast and breeds farther north than any other hummingbird.
Identification
To identify a rufous hummingbird, look for these characteristics:
- Small size, 3-3.5 inches long
- Rusty red throat in males
- Green shoulders
- Rufous or coppery red color on back, sides, rump, and tail
- White underparts with green streaks on females
- Long, slender bill
- High-pitched chipping vocalizations
The rufous male is unmistakable with its burnt orange plumage. Females are greener overall with rufous sides and base of tail. The rufous hummingbird’s tiny size and frantic wingbeats also help identify it.
Behavior
Rufous hummingbirds drink nectar from a variety of brightly colored tubular flowers. They lick nectar up with their long, extensible tongue. They also eat small insects such as gnats, fruit flies, and spiders. Males perform a distinctive hovering, swooping aerial dance during courtship. Rufous hummingbirds are strongly territorial and chase away intruders. They winter along the Pacific coast of Mexico and migrate north to breed in spring and summer.
Nesting
Female rufous hummingbirds build a compact cup nest on the branch of a conifer tree using plant down and spider webs. The eggs are tiny, about half the size of a coffee bean. The female incubates the eggs for about 15 days, and chicks fledge in around 3 weeks. The nests are found in forest openings, meadows, and yards.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) is a small green hummingbird with reddish feathers on the throat, rump, and tail. Males have a striking orange-red throat while females have green backs. This species breeds in coastal California and southern Oregon.
Identification
Field marks of Allen’s hummingbird include:
- Small size, about 3.5 inches long
- Metallic green back
- Orange throat in males
- Rufous rump and tail
- White undertail coverts
- One brood per season
The male’s bright reddish-orange throat is diagnostic. Females show green on the back and rufous on the base of the tail.
Behavior
Allen’s hummingbirds feed on nectar, tree sap, and small insects. Their wingbeat is very rapid, about 70 beats per second. Males perform diving displays during courtship. They are aggressive and will chase away other hummingbirds from their territory. Allen’s hummingbirds are migratory, breeding in coastal California and wintering in Mexico.
Nesting
The female Allen’s hummingbird builds a compact nest out of plant down, spider webs, and lichen on branches and stalks. She lays only two tiny white eggs. Incubation lasts about 16 days, and nestlings fledge in another 18-22 days.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a medium-sized hummingbird named after a 19th century duchess. These hummingbirds can be identified by the male’s striking rose-pink throat and crown. Females lack the bright rose throat patch. Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents on the Pacific Coast.
Identification
Field marks of Anna’s hummingbird include:
- Size ranges from 3.5-4 inches
- Rosy pink head and throat in males
- Straight black bill
- Iridescent green back
- Grey underparts
The male’s bright pink gorget (throat feathers) makes this species unmistakable. Females lack the pink throat and are duller in color.
Behavior
Anna’s hummingbirds sip nectar from flowering plants such as salvia, honeysuckle, and agave. They use their long tongues to lap up the nectar while hovering. Spiders and insects provide protein. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, climbing up to 130 feet in the air before diving back down. The chipping vocalizations of competing males defending territories often fills the air.
Nesting
Female Anna’s hummingbirds gather soft plant down and spider silk to construct a tiny cup nest on twigs and branches. The nest is only about 1.5 inches wide. The two pea-sized white eggs hatch after about 16 days. The baby hummingbirds fledge from the nest after another 18-22 days.
Conclusion
Of the many hummingbird species found in North America, ruby-throated, rufous, Allen’s, and Anna’s hummingbirds are among those with the most distinctive red plumage markings. The males tend to be the most colorful, showing brilliant red or orange feathers on their throats, crowns, rumps, or tails. Females generally lack the bright reddish markings. With their metallic colors, tiny size, rapid flight, and hovering ability, hummingbirds with red feathers add beauty and wonder to gardens and landscapes where they occur.
