Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus. Nectar and insects.
Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)Rufous HummingbirdSelasphorus rufus
- Scientific name
- Selasphorus rufus
- Length
- 2.8–3.5 in
- Weight
- 0.1–0.2 oz
- Nest
- Cup in conifers or shrubs
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2 eggs
- Incubation
- 15–17 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Male bright orange-rufous with an orange-red throat
- Female green with rufous flanks
- Rufous tail base
Voice
Tense 'chip' and buzzy chatter.
Diet and feeding
Nectar and insects.
What do rufous hummingbirds eat? · Best feeder for rufous hummingbirds
Rufous Hummingbirds by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Winter visitor | — |
| Alaska | Summer breeder | June |
| Alberta | Summer breeder | June |
| British Columbia | Summer breeder | June |
| Florida | Winter visitor | — |
| Georgia | Winter visitor | — |
| Idaho | Summer breeder | May–June |
| Louisiana | Winter visitor | — |
| Mississippi | Winter visitor | — |
| Montana | Summer breeder | June |
| Oregon | Summer breeder | May–June |
| South Carolina | Winter visitor | — |
| Washington | Summer breeder | May–June |
Frequently asked
What do rufous hummingbirds eat?
Nectar and insects. At feeders: sugar water 1:4.
How big is a Rufous Hummingbird?
2.8–3.5 in long and 0.1–0.2 oz.
Do rufous hummingbirds use birdhouses?
No. Cup in conifers or shrubs.
Sources
- Rufous Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Rufous Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Rufous Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.