Quick Answers
Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds are two common hummingbird species found in North America. The main differences between them are:
- Range – Ruby-throats are found mainly in eastern North America, while Rufous hummers are found in western North America.
- Size – Rufous hummers are slightly larger than ruby-throats.
- Bill shape – Ruby-throats have straight, slender bills while Rufous hummers have slightly curved bills.
- Color – Male ruby-throats have a bright red throat, while male Rufous hummers have a coppery-red throat.
- Migration – Ruby-throats migrate to Central America for winter, while most Rufous hummers migrate south along the Pacific Coast.
- Habitat – Ruby-throats are more often found in forests and woodlands, while Rufous prefer open areas.
- Food – Their diets are similar, feeding on nectar and small insects.
- Nesting – Both use spider silk and lichen to build tiny cup-shaped nests.
Range and Distribution
The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widely-distributed hummingbird species in eastern North America. Its breeding range extends from southern Canada south throughout the eastern United States as far south as Florida and along the Gulf Coast. Some ruby-throats winter as far south as Panama.
The Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) has a more northwestern distribution. Its breeding range extends from Alaska and Canada south through the western half of the United States. Some Rufous hummingbirds migrate east along the Gulf Coast during winter and may stray as far east as Florida. Most Rufous hummingbirds winter along the Pacific coast of Mexico.
There is some overlap between the two species in the midwestern United States, but ruby-throats are found mainly in the eastern part of the country while Rufous hummers prefer the western regions.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Range Map
Rufous Hummingbird Range Map
Physical Description and Appearance
Both ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds are small, fast-flying birds with brightly colored plumage. However, there are some notable physical differences between the two species.
Size
On average, Rufous hummingbirds are slightly larger than ruby-throats. Ruby-throats typically measure 2.8-3.5 inches in length and have a wingspan of 4.3 inches. Rufous hummingbirds average 3.1-3.5 inches in length and have a wingspan that can reach 4.7 inches across.
Bill Shape
The bill shape differs between these two hummingbird species. Ruby-throated hummingbirds have long, slender, straight bills that are perfect for drinking nectar from long tubular flowers. Rufous hummingbirds have slightly shorter, curved bills that are adapted for feeding from shorter blossoms.
| Species | Bill Shape |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Long, straight |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Shorter, curved |
Plumage Coloration
The plumage differences between male ruby-throats and Rufous hummingbirds are striking. As their name indicates, male ruby-throated hummingbirds have a brilliant patch of iridescent red feathers on their throat. Rufous hummingbird males have a vivid orange-red throat.
The crown and back feathers of the Rufous hummingbird are a bright, coppery red. Ruby-throated males lack any red or orange feathers on the head or back. Their crown and back feathers are a metallic green.
Females of both species are similar with primarily greenish upperparts and white undersides with greenish flecks. However, female Rufous hummingbirds tend to be brighter overall with more rufous-colored base feathers on the tail and wings.
Appearance Comparison
| Species | Male Throat Color | Male Crown/Back | Female Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Brilliant red | Metallic green | Dull green above, white below |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Coppery orange-red | Bright coppery red | Brighter overall with rufous tints |
Migration and Habitat
The migration patterns and breeding habitat preferences of ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds also show some distinct differences.
Migration
Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico in fall to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. Their migration path forms a loop as they return to the eastern U.S. and Canada to breed each spring.
Rufous hummingbirds migrate south along the Pacific Coast to winter primarily in Mexico. Some Rufous hummingbirds migrate east across the Gulf States and may reach the Atlantic seaboard before heading northwest to return to their breeding grounds each spring.
Breeding Habitat
Ruby-throated hummingbirds nest in deciduous and mixed forests across eastern North America. They prefer habitats with plenty of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees. Good nesting habitat includes meadows, forest edges, yards and parks with flowers and feeders.
Rufous hummingbirds breed in more open and barren habitats across the western United States and Canada. Their preferred breeding habitat includes mountain meadows, scrubby areas, forest openings, and pine forests. Rufous hummingbirds are also common in parks and backyards in the West.
Habitat Comparison
| Species | Breeding Habitat |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Deciduous and mixed forests in East |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Open meadows, scrub, and pine forests in West |
Behavior and Diet
Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds share many behavioral traits and have very similar diets.
Feeding
Both hummingbird species feed on nectar from flowers using their specialized long tongues. They also eat small insects and spiders to obtain essential proteins, minerals, and nutrients.
Some key nectar plants for ruby-throats include cardinal flower, trumpet vine, impatiens, bee balm, and butterfly bush. Rufous hummingbirds favor nectar from flowers like Indian paintbrush, lilies, foxglove, and columbine.
Aggression
Male hummingbirds of both species are highly territorial and aggressive. They will chase other males and even larger birds, insects, or animals that enter their feeding areas. Females may also show aggression, especially when defending nest sites.
Flight and Speed
Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds are both lightning-fast fliers capable of precision hovering and midair maneuverability. They beat their wings up to 70 times per second during normal flight and are able to reach speeds of over 30 mph during courtship dives.
Behavior Comparison
| Behavior | Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Rufous Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Nectar, insects | Nectar, insects |
| Aggression | Highly territorial males | Highly territorial males |
| Flight skills | Fast and agile | Fast and agile |
Breeding and Nesting
Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds have very similar breeding behaviors and nesting habits.
Courtship
Male hummingbirds perform elaborate aerial courtship displays to attract and impress females. They dive and zigzag rapidly with their colorful throat or crown feathers flared out to catch the light. Their wing beats make unique buzzing and chipping sounds.
Nests
Both species build tiny cup-shaped nests only about 2 inches across. They use soft plant down held together with sticky spider silk and camouflage the outside with lichens and moss.
Ruby-throat nests are typically located on downward-sloping branches about 10-20 feet high in deciduous trees. Rufous hummingbirds often nest higher in conifers like firs, pines, or spruces but also use deciduous trees.
Eggs and Raising Young
The female lays just two small white eggs in each nest. She incubates them alone for 12-16 days until they hatch. The tiny chicks fledge in just 18-22 days, remarkably fast growth.
The female cares for and feeds the chicks with nectar and insects. Males provide no parental care with offspring or nests.
Breeding Comparison
| Breeding Behavior | Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Rufous Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Courtship display | Dives and darts | Dives and darts |
| Nest location | On branches 10-20 ft up | Higher in trees |
| Clutch size | 2 eggs | 2 eggs |
| Chick rearing | Female only | Female only |
Conservation Status
Neither ruby-throated nor Rufous hummingbirds are considered globally threatened or endangered currently. However, some populations have declined in recent decades primarily due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Still a widespread and common species in eastern North America. Population seems relatively stable but more vulnerable at the northern edge of the range in Canada.
Rufous Hummingbird
Populations dropped an estimated 60% between 1966 and 2014. Habitat loss and pesticide impacts from farming and logging in migration and wintering grounds have contributed to the decline.
Conservation Comparison
| Species | Population Trend | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Relatively stable | Least concern |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Declining | Near threatened |
Protecting habitat, reducing pesticide use, and providing nectar through flowers and feeders can benefit both species. Careful monitoring of populations should continue to ensure stable numbers across their ranges.
Conclusion
In summary, while ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds appear somewhat similar as small, nectar-feeding birds, they have distinct differences in their physical features, geographic ranges, migration routes, habitat preferences, and conservation concerns. Both play important ecological roles as pollinators across North America and warrant continued protection efforts focused on their unique habitat needs.
Understanding the similarities and differences between these two hummingbird species provides greater insight into their diversity and how they have adapted to their environments. This knowledge can help inform conservation practices tailored to each species, ensuring both the ruby-throated and the Rufous hummingbird continue to brighten our summers with their flashy plumage and energetic flight for years to come.
