The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small, feisty hummingbird that breeds in western North America and migrates to Mexico and the southern United States for the winter. Known for their bright orange-red throats and aggressive defense of flower patches, Rufous Hummingbirds have a fascinating migration story and range across much of western North America.
Breeding Range
In the spring and summer breeding season, Rufous Hummingbirds are found in forested and mountainous areas across western North America, from Alaska south to California and east to the Rocky Mountains. Their breeding range covers:
- Alaska
- Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories)
- Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, northern California, Idaho, western Montana)
- Rocky Mountains (Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico)
Within their expansive breeding grounds, Rufous Hummingbirds seek out open meadows, forest clearings, mountain parks, and backyards where they can find the nectar-rich flowers they depend on. Here they build tiny cup-shaped nests high up in trees using plant down and spider webs.
Wintering Range
As summer ends, Rufous Hummingbirds embark on a long migration south. Their winter range extends along the Pacific Coast from southern Alaska to Mexico, and inland to Texas and the Gulf Coast. Key areas where they spend the winter are:
- Pacific Northwest – southern Oregon, western Washington, southwestern British Columbia
- California – especially coastal and southern California
- Mexico – along both the Pacific and Gulf coasts
- Southern Arizona
- Gulf Coast states – Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama
- Florida
Rufous Hummingbirds are rarely found in the interior USA in winter, as they migrate south along the Pacific flyway. Their winter habitat includes forest edges, desert washes, backyards, and parks where flowering plants provide nectar.
Migration Route
One of the most incredible feats of the Rufous Hummingbird is their migratory journey each spring and fall. They breed further north than any other hummingbird species, then make a 2,000 to 5,000 mile trip south for winter. Their migration route includes:
- Northward in spring along the Pacific Coast, crossing the Rocky Mountains to reach breeding grounds
- Southward in fall, down the coasts of Oregon, California and Baja California to Mexico
- Some birds follow an interior route through mountain passes to the Gulf Coast
- Young birds often take a more direct route across western states like Idaho, Utah, and Arizona
The hummingbirds travel remarkably fast for their tiny size, covering over 300 miles in a day at speeds around 30 mph. They have high energy needs, consuming nectar along the way as fuel for their airborne journey.
Population Distribution
Rufous Hummingbirds are common and widespread, with an estimated population of 5 million birds. Their breeding density is highest in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Population trends show declines in some areas but overall stable numbers:
- Higher densities in Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon
- Sparse but widespread in Rockies, eastern California, Canada
- Population declines in Pacific Northwest but increases in California
- Most abundant hummingbird species west of the Rockies
The adaptability of Rufous Hummingbirds to forest edges, parks, and suburban gardens has helped maintain their numbers. Providing nectar feeders and flowers in yards assists migrating and wintering birds.
| State/Province | Breeding Population Estimate | Population Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 1 million | Stable |
| British Columbia | 500,000 | Increasing |
| Washington | 400,000 | Decreasing |
| Oregon | 300,000 | Decreasing |
| California | 600,000 | Increasing |
Key Nesting Habitats
Rufous Hummingbirds nest in a variety of forest and woodland habitats across their breeding range. Key habitats include:
- Coniferous forests – especially pine, fir, spruce forests
- Riparian woodlands along streams and rivers
- Aspen groves and mountain meadows
- Open scrublands with scattered trees
- Recent burned or logged forests with new growth
They favor areas with a mix of trees, forest openings, and flowering plants. In urban areas, gardens and parks with large trees and feeders also attract nesting Rufous Hummingbirds.
Coastal Habitats
Along the Pacific Coast, breeding habitats include:
- Coastal rainforests – Sitka spruce, redcedar, hemlock, red alder
- Coastal scrub – salal, salmonberry, huckleberry
- Douglas fir forests
- Suburban parks and gardens
Mountain Habitats
In mountain ranges, Rufous Hummingbirds inhabit:
- Subalpine fir forests above treeline
- Lodgepole and ponderosa pine forests
- Aspen stands with meadow openings
- Riverside willow and cottonwood stands
The availability of flowering plants is a key factor influencing where Rufous Hummingbirds nest in the varied terrain of the west.
Key Wintering Habitats
As the breeding season ends, Rufous Hummingbirds move to southern forests, deserts, and scrublands for the winter. Prime winter habitats include:
- Oak and pine-oak woodlands in mountains
- Riverside sycamore, cottonwood, and willow groves
- Chaparral scrublands on coastal slopes
- Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert scrub
- Citrus orchards, backyards, parks
From California’s Central Valley to the highlands of Mexico, rugged mountains and warm desert areas become home for the winter. The small birds tolerates cold nights as long as they can feed on flowering plants by day.
Pacific Coast Habitats
Prime wintering habitats along the Pacific Coast include:
- Coast live oak and California sycamore groves
- Redwood forests (Santa Cruz south)
- Chaparral – manzanita, ceanothus, salvia
- Mountain mahogany and acacia scrub
Gulf Coast Habitats
On the Gulf Coast, winter habitats include:
- Pine-oak woodlands
- Bald cypress forests along rivers
- Mangrove forests in Florida
- Yaupon and Brazilian pepper thickets
Rufous Hummingbirds make seasonal movements to follow the bloom sequence of flowering plants from the coast inland to the Gulf.
Ecological Importance
As prolific pollinators of western wildflowers, Rufous Hummingbirds play an important ecological role across their range. The nectar they collect from flowers provides food for their migration and supplies energy for courtship and nesting. As they move between flowers, they transfer pollen vital for plant reproduction. Key details about their ecological significance include:
- Pollinate the flowers of at least 100 plant species
- Favorite food plants include lilies, currants, columbine, honeysuckle
- Adapted to pollinate red tubular flowers, a primary color in the west
- Migratory habits promote gene flow between plant populations
- Declines in hummingbird populations negatively impact some plant species
Scientist estimate Rufous and other hummingbird species pollinate billions of flowers across western North America each year. Their disappearance would have ripple effects on ecosystems by reducing seed and fruit production for many plants.
Threats and Conservation
While still a common species, Rufous Hummingbirds face a number of threats on their breeding and wintering grounds. Habitat loss and climate change are primary concerns. Conservation efforts focus on protecting key habitats and nectar supplies along their migration routes:
- Habitat loss from logging, fires, urbanization
- Declines in flower abundance from invasive weeds, climate change
- Increasing drought stress and heat waves
- Homeowner pesticide use reduces insect prey
- Predation pressure from expanding urban raptors
Providing flowering nectar plants, reducing pesticide usage, and protecting forests and woodlands are beneficial conservation measures for hummingbirds. Citizen scientist participation in surveys helps researchers track population trends.
| Threat | Conservation Action |
|---|---|
| Habitat loss | Protect and restore key breeding habitats |
| Declining nectar supplies | Plant native flowers and gardens for food |
| Climate change | Reduce carbon emissions, promote resilience |
| Pesticides | Reduce home and farm chemical usage |
A mix of public lands protection and private land stewardship are needed to secure the future of Rufous Hummingbirds across their range. This remarkable migratory species provides beauty and essential ecosystem services across western North America.
Conclusion
The Rufous Hummingbird may be tiny, but it has a huge range across the forests, mountains, and deserts of western North America. Their tenacity in undertaking one of the longest songbird migrations each year allows them to breed across a vast region from Alaska to Mexico. Providing diverse habitats with flowering plants and nest sites will help ensure thriving populations of these essential pollinators into the future.
