Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds are two small, colorful hummingbirds found in western North America. While they may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences between these two species in terms of appearance, habitat, diet, behavior, breeding, and migration patterns. Learning to distinguish Rufous from Allen’s hummingbirds allows birders and nature enthusiasts to better appreciate the diversity of hummingbirds across different regions.
Appearance
Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds can be identified by differences in plumage coloration and tail shapes:
Plumage Differences
| Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Bright orange-rufous feathers covering most of body | Green feathers on back and crown, grey underparts |
| Greenish feathers only on back/crown | Orange feathers only in throat, belly, and flanks |
| White spot behind eye | No white spot behind eye |
Rufous hummingbirds are aptly named for their bright, rusty orange-red plumage covering most of their body, including the face, throat, flanks, and tail. The only green feathers are on their crowns and backs.
In contrast, Allen’s hummingbirds have predominately green feathers on the back and crown, with orange feathers restricted to the throat, belly, and flanks. They also lack the distinctive white spot behind the eye that Rufous hummingbirds display.
Tail Shape Differences
| Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Forked tail | Rounded, fan-shaped tail |
| Outer tail feathers longer than central feathers, creating a narrow “V” shape | Tail feathers of equal length, giving the tail a blunt-ended look |
When viewed from behind, Rufous hummingbirds have a distinctly forked tail, with the outer tail feathers substantially longer than the central tail feathers. This imparts a narrow, “V” shaped appearance to the tail.
Allen’s hummingbirds, on the other hand, have a much blunter, fan-shaped tail with tail feathers of approximately equal length. This gives the tail a rounded, spatulate silhouette.
Habitat Differences
Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds occupy different breeding habitats along the West Coast:
| Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Breeds in northern forests and meadows | Breeds in southern scrublands and chaparral |
| Nests along forest edges and clearings | Nests in low shrubs and trees |
| Migrates between Pacific Northwest and Southwest | Year-round resident of California and Mexico |
Rufous hummingbirds breed predominantly in coniferous forests, mountain meadows, and woodland areas of the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains. They are migratory, traveling as far south as Mexico in winter.
In contrast, Allen’s hummingbirds are year-round residents of the scrubland and chaparral ecosystems of coastal California and northern Mexico. They favor breeding in low shrubs and trees rather than dense forests.
Diet Differences
Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds share a primarily nectar-based diet, but they also take advantage of different food sources:
| Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Feeds on nectar from columbine and other mountain flowers | Feeds heavily on eucalyptus and sage nectar |
| Favor sapsucker wells as a food source | Occasionally hawk flying insects |
| Fewer insects in diet compared to Allen’s | More insects and spiders in diet than Rufous |
The flower nectar composition in Rufous and Allen’s habitats leads to differences in their diets. Rufous hummingbirds are strongly associated with columbine and other wildflowers in mountain meadows and forest openings. They also obtain sap from wells drilled in trees by sapsuckers.
Allen’s hummingbirds feed heavily on the nectar of non-native eucalyptus and sagebrush flowers in scrubland areas. They also hawk flying insects more frequently than Rufous hummingbirds.
Behavioral Differences
Some aspects of behavior differ between these two hummingbird species:
| Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Aggressive around feeders | Less aggressive at feeders |
| Males perform elaborate dive displays | Males have more subtle courtship displays |
| Emit sharp, ringing vocalizations | Emit buzzing and chattering calls |
| More bold and curious around humans | Warier of humans than Rufous |
Rufous hummingbirds are known for their aggressive behavior at nectar feeders, vigorously defending their territory. Males perform elaborate courtship displays including steep dives up to 100 feet. In contrast, Allen’s hummingbirds are less aggressive at feeders and the males have subtler courtship rituals.
Vocalizations also differ between the two species – Rufous make loud, ringing chips and cheeps whereas Allen’s produce quieter buzzes and chatters. Rufous hummingbirds may also be bolder and more curious around human settlements.
Breeding Differences
Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds follow slightly different breeding strategies:
| Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Single brood | Sometimes double brood |
| 2-3 eggs per clutch | 2 eggs per clutch |
| Incubation period 16-17 days | Incubation period 14-16 days |
| Nestling phase approximately 18-22 days | Nestling phase approximately 18-23 days |
Rufous hummingbirds produce just a single clutch per breeding season of 2-3 eggs. Incubation takes 16-17 days, and chicks fledge in 18-22 days.
Allen’s hummingbirds are potentially double-brooded, producing two clutches in a season. Clutches contain 2 eggs, incubation is slightly shorter at 14-16 days, but the nestling phase lasts 18-23 days.
Migration Differences
The migration patterns of Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds differ substantially:
| Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Complete migrator – travels between breeding and wintering grounds | Incomplete migrator – resident year-round in parts of range |
| Summers along Pacific Northwest coast | Summers along California coast |
| Winters in Southwest deserts and Mexico | Winters in coastal California and northern Mexico |
| Migrates over western mountains | Local seasonal movements along coast |
| Travels >1000 miles each way on migration | Travels <500 miles during seasonal movements |
Rufous hummingbirds are complete migrants – they travel substantial distances between distinct breeding and wintering grounds. They breed in the Pacific Northwest then migrate south to winter in the southwestern deserts.
Allen’s hummingbirds are incomplete migrants. Northern populations migrate short distances, while southern breeding birds in coastal California and Mexico are resident year-round. Their winter range largely overlaps their summer range, minimizing travel.
Range Differences
The breeding and wintering ranges of Rufous vs. Allen’s hummingbirds show minimal overlap:
| Rufous Hummingbird | Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|
| Breeds from Alaska to California | Breeds along California coast |
| Winters in Southwest USA and Mexico | Winters in coastal California to Mexico |
| Common migrant throughout West | Rare east of California and Arizona |
| Uncommon on California coast | Common along California coast |
Rufous hummingbirds breed in a broad belt from Alaska down to northern California then migrate inland to winter in the Southwest deserts. This makes them a widespread migrant across western states.
In contrast, Allen’s hummingbird distribution is concentrated along the California coast and into Mexico. They are uncommon migrants east of California and do not overlap substantively with Rufous hummingbirds.
Identification Tips
To quickly identify whether an unknown hummingbird is a Rufous or Allen’s:
- Look for vivid rusty orange overall plumage – indicates Rufous Hummingbird
- Check for green back but orange throat – suggests Allen’s Hummingbird
- Look for white spot behind eye – Rufous trait
- Examine tail shape from below – Rufous has Forked tail, Allen’s has Rounded fan-tail
- Consider behavior – aggressive and loud calls indicate Rufous
- Note habitat – forest settings favor Rufous, scrublands suggest Allen’s
Remembering these key differences in appearance, behavior, habitat, and range makes differentiating these two similar hummingbird species straightforward with practice. Proper identification allows bird enthusiasts to better appreciate the diversity of hummingbirds occupying different West Coast ecosystems.
Conclusion
In summary, Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds exhibit several distinct differences despite their superficial similarities. Rufous hummingbirds are boldly colored in orange, have forked tails, breed in northern forests, migrate long distances, and are aggressive at feeders. Allen’s hummingbirds are more subtly colored in green and orange, have rounded fan-tails, reside year-round in coastal California scrublands, undertake shorter migrations, and are less domineering at feeders. Paying attention to field marks, habits, vocalizations, and distribution makes identification straightforward. Understanding these species’ differences allows us to better appreciate the unique adaptations of each hummingbird to its respective habitat and lifestyle.
