There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds in the world, but only a small handful have a distinctive green stripe down their backs. This striking plumage detail helps bird enthusiasts identify these hummingbirds quickly. The most common hummingbirds spotted with a green back stripe in North America are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Rufous Hummingbird.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in Eastern North America. The adult male Ruby-throat has bright iridescent emerald green feathers on its back and head. When the light hits just right, a striking velvety black throat patch appears (giving the bird its name).
Female Ruby-throats lack the vibrant ruby red throat patch. However, they do possess the metallic green stripe down the center of their backs. In addition, immature males in their first year also retain the female’s green striped appearance before gaining their ruby red throats the following molting season.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small hummingbird commonly found along the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountains. The adult male Rufous is especially dazzling with its shimmering orange-red plumage covering most of its body. However, the male’s green back stripe stands out vividly against this rufous backdrop.
Meanwhile, female Rufous Hummingbirds are primarily green and white in coloration. Like the Ruby-throat females, they lack the bright orange-red hues of the adult males. Instead, they possess feathers with rufous-colored tips and maintain the emerald stripe down the center of their backs.
Key Differences Between Ruby-throats and Rufous
Although Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds both exhibit green striped plumage, there are some key differences between these two species:
Geographic Range
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | Eastern North America |
| Rufous | Western North America |
Ruby-throats occupy the eastern half of the continent while Rufous hummingbirds are most common along the Pacific Coast and Western mountain ranges. There is only a narrow zone of overlap, making it unlikely to find both species in the same location.
Size
Rufous hummingbirds are slightly larger than ruby-throats. Rufous measure 2.8-3.5 inches in length and weigh 0.1-0.2 ounces. Ruby-throats are ever so slightly smaller at 2.8-3.1 inches long and 0.1 ounce on average.
Bill Shape
Ruby-throats have slender straight bills while Rufous hummingbirds have slightly downcurved bills that are wider at the base. This minor distinction in bill shape reflects differences in the native flower types pollinated by each species.
Tail Shape
Rufous hummingbirds have fan-shaped tails with rounded tips. Ruby-throated hummingbirds have more forked tails. When folded, the tail appears squared off at the end.
Sounds
Both species make buzzing and twittering sounds with their wings during flight. But their vocalizations differ quite a bit. Ruby-throats have high-pitched rapid chipping calls. Rufous hummingbirds produce lower scratchy sounding calls described as a “skee-bzzt” and whistling rattles.
Identifying Immature Birds
Determining the species gets more challenging with younger hummingbirds that have yet to acquire their full adult plumage characteristics. Here are some tips for identifying immature Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds:
Immature Ruby-throats
– Green stripe down center of back
– No rufous on tail or wings
– Olive green gorget (no red throat)
– Dark bill that lacks red base
– Mostly white underparts
– More defined facial markings
Immature Rufous
– Green stripe down center of back
– Rufous edges on tail feathers and primary wing feathers
– Buffy white throat patch
– Partially curved bill
– Fine streaking on throat
– Lacks white tips on outer tail feathers
When and Where to See Them
Here is some information on when and where to spot Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds displaying their signature green-striped backs:
Ruby-throated
| Season | Location |
|---|---|
| Summer: May through early September | Across Eastern US and Canada |
| Migration: April/May and September/October | Along migration routes of Gulf Coast, Florida, Eastern Seaboard |
| Winter: November to March | Southern Florida, Mexico, Central America |
Rufous
| Season | Location |
|---|---|
| Summer: May to August | Pacific Northwest, Western Canada, Alaska, Rocky Mountains |
| Migration: March to May, August to October | West Coast from California to Washington |
| Winter: November to March | Southwest US, Mexico |
The breeding season offers the best chance to observe hummingbirds displaying full adult plumage before females and young birds migrate south.
Popular spots include:
- Backyard feeders in appropriate regions
- Mountain meadows and foothills
- Parks, gardens, and nature preserves with native flowering plants
- Coastal areas during migration
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Here are some tips to entice more hummingbirds to visit your property:
Offer sweet nectar in feeders
Use a simple 1:4 ratio of white refined sugar to water. Avoid red food coloring, honey, and artificial sweeteners. Change the nectar every 2-3 days to prevent spoilage. Clean feeders thoroughly.
Plant native flowers
Choose tubular blooms in the red, orange, pink color palette. Favorites include bee balm, trumpet vine, cardinal flower, and columbine.
Provide running water
A mister, dripping fountain, or small waterfall will attract hummingbirds to drink and bathe.
Strategically place feeders and water
Situate feeders and water near flowers, trees, and shrubs to provide handy resting and shelter spots for hummingbirds. Avoid direct sun which can cause nectar to spoil.
eliminate pesticides
Chemicals can be toxic to hummingbirds. Opt for natural pest remedies when possible.
Set up a safe windbreak
Block prevailing winds with a hedge or treeline so hummingbirds can feed without exerting excess energy.
Supplement with mealworms
Live or dried mealworms provide extra protein to fuel these busy birds. Use a small shallow dish attached near feeders.
Conclusion
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird of Eastern North America and the Rufous Hummingbird of the Western states are the two most widespread hummingbird species exhibiting the distinctive green-striped back plumage. This unique marking helps differentiate them from other North American hummers. During the summer breeding season, watching adult male ruby-throats and rufous flash their dazzling iridescent feathers and vocalize from perches is a special treat for birders. With a few simple enhancements to your backyard habitat, you can extend an inviting oasis to these energetic, shimmering jewels of the sky.
