Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
Overview
The Rufous Hummingbird undertakes one of the longest migrations of any bird relative to body size — traveling up to 3,900 miles from Mexico to Alaska. Males are distinctive with their bright orange-red (rufous) plumage.
Length
7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in)
Weight
2.7–4.5 g (0.095–0.159 oz)
Wingspan
11 cm (4.3 in)
Lifespan
Up to 8 years
Fun Fact
“Pound for pound, the Rufous Hummingbird flies farther than any other bird on Earth relative to its body size!”
Fascinating Facts
- 1
Undertakes the longest migration of any hummingbird — up to 3,900 miles
- 2
One of the most aggressive hummingbirds; will chase away much larger birds
- 3
Can remember the location of thousands of flowers
- 4
Among the northernmost breeding hummingbirds, nesting as far as southeastern Alaska
- 5
Population has declined ~60% since 1970
Migration & Nesting
Northward Migration
March–May
Southward Migration
July–October
Nesting Season
April–July
Garden Tips & Preferred Flowers
Plant these nectar-rich flowers to attract Rufous Hummingbird to your garden:
