The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small, feisty hummingbird that breeds in western North America. Their range extends from Alaska to California and across the Rocky Mountains to the eastern parts of New Mexico and Texas. During migration and in winter, they can be found throughout the western United States and Mexico. Rufous Hummingbirds occupy a variety of habitats across their breeding and non-breeding ranges. Here we’ll explore the key features that make up prime Rufous Hummingbird habitat.
Breeding Habitat
Rufous Hummingbirds breed in open, mountain meadows, forest openings, yards and parks. They require habitats that provide plenty of nectar-rich flowering plants and small insects to eat. Features of quality breeding habitat include:
- Areas with flowering plants that bloom from April through July. Some favorite nectar sources are currants, gooseberries, columbines, lilies, penstemons and monkeyflowers.
- Presence of small insects like gnats, mosquitoes, fruit flies and spiders.
- Trees and shrubs for nest sites. Alders, pines and firs are commonly used in natural areas. In developed areas, they may nest in trees, shrubs or vines around yards.
- Open areas for aerial feeding and establishing nesting territories.
- Water sources like creeks, seeps, ponds or bird baths for drinking and bathing.
- Elevations up to 10,000 feet in mountain meadows and forest openings.
Male Rufous Hummingbirds return to the breeding grounds before females. They establish territories with plentiful nectar sources that they aggressively defend from intruders. When females arrive, they build a nest out of soft plant down, spider webs and lichens on a protected tree branch. The female cares for the eggs and young on her own.
Migration Habitat
One of the smallest birds in the world, Rufous Hummingbirds migrate incredible distances each spring and fall between their breeding and wintering grounds. Their migration route takes them through a variety of habitats across western North America.
Key features Rufous Hummingbirds rely on during migration include:
- Areas with flowering plants that bloom from March through May during spring migration and August through October in fall.
- Riparian areas and wetlands that provide drinking and bathing water.
- Trees and shrubs for roosting and shelter.
- Feeders filled with nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) provide important food sources in developed areas.
- Elevations from sea level up to 10,500 feet.
Some migratory hotspots where Rufous Hummingbirds can be spotted include:
- California – Santa Barbara, Marin County, Mount Shasta
- Arizona – Ramsey Canyon, Madera Canyon
- New Mexico – Gila National Forest
- Colorado – Montrose, Gunnison
- Idaho – Boise
- Oregon – Ashland, Sisters
Winter Habitat
Come fall, most Rufous Hummingbirds migrate south to spend the winter along the Pacific coast of Mexico and the Gulf of California. Some also winter in the warm deserts of Arizona and New Mexico in the southwestern United States.
Key elements of good winter habitat are:
- Semi-open areas with flowering plants and shrubs that bloom from November to March. These include sages, ocotillos, ribes and eucalyptus.
- Presence of small insects like gnats, aphids, thrips and spiders.
- Protected microclimates out of extreme cold and heat. This often includes forest edges, yards and parks.
- Nectar feeders in developed areas.
- Some access to open areas for feeding. Large tracts of dense forest are not ideal.
Rufous Hummingbirds are aggressive around feeders in winter and will defend nectar sources against all comers. Freeze tolerant, they can survive dips into the 20s Fahrenheit overnight by lowering their body temperature and slowing their heart rate.
Backyard Habitat
Rufous Hummingbirds readily visit yards and gardens during migration and in winter range areas. You can attract them by incorporating these elements into your backyard habitat:
- Nectar feeders – Use a nectar mix of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Avoid red dyes which are unhealthy for hummingbirds.
- Flowers – Plant a variety of flowering plants that bloom through early fall. Favorites include fuchsias, cosmos, penstemons, columbines and native honeysuckles.
- Water – Provide a shallow bird bath, mister or fountain for drinking and bathing.
- Shelter – Leave some dead trees and branches for perching. Have trees and shrubs nearby for overnight roosting spots.
- Insects – Plant things like butterfly bushes to attract small insects that Rufous Hummingbirds eat.
- Sanctuary – Avoid pesticide use so there are healthy insect populations.
With some planning, you can create an oasis for Rufous Hummingbirds in your own yard!
Threats to Habitat
Loss and degradation of habitat poses increasing challenges for Rufous Hummingbirds across their range. Some key threats include:
- Climate Change – Climate shifts may impact flowering schedules and nectar availability during migration and on the wintering grounds.
- Development – Human activity like logging, urbanization and agriculture destroys open meadows and riparian areas that Rufous Hummingbirds rely on.
- Wildfires – More frequent and severe fires incinerate crucial flowering and nesting habitat.
- Pesticides – Chemical use reduces insect populations that hummingbirds depend on for food.
Protecting remaining habitat corridors and reducing pesticide use in urban and agricultural areas are important conservation steps. Providing supplemental nectar sources in yards and public gardens also helps offset habitat losses.
Interesting Facts
Fun facts about the habitats and behaviors of Rufous Hummingbirds include:
- They breed farther north than any other hummingbird species.
- Nests are only about 1.5 inches wide and may be reused for consecutive broods.
- Rufous Hummingbirds beat their wings up to 70 times per second.
- They gain significant weight during migration, nearly doubling their body mass.
- Their migration route covers 3,900 miles one-way from Alaska to Mexico.
- Some Rufous Hummingbirds winter as far north as Alaska if adequate food is available.
- They prefer hummingbird feeders colored red or orange but will use any color.
Conclusion
Rufous Hummingbirds thrive in a variety of open meadows, forests and riparian corridors across western North America. They are resourceful birds that readily adapt to backyard habitats with supplemental feeding and landscaping. While habitat loss poses increasing challenges, improving awareness and conservation practices can secure the future for these remarkable migrants. With a few simple additions to urban and rural spaces, we can support Rufous Hummingbird populations and sustain their epic migratory journeys between their northern breeding and southern wintering grounds.
