Rufous Hummingbird
A species of Selasphorus Scientific name : Selasphorus rufus Genus : Selasphorus
Rufous Hummingbird, A species of Selasphorus
Botanical name: Selasphorus rufus
Genus: Selasphorus
Description
The rufous Hummingbird is a tiny, migratory bird that takes one of the longest journeys among all birds in the world each year. Fascinating to watch, it is able to produce 50-60 wingbeats per second and 13 licks per second when collecting nectar. Although primarily a forest dweller, it's a common visitor of bird feeders.
Size
10 cm (3.75 in)
Life Expectancy
4 years
Nest Placement
Tree
Clutch Size
2 - 3 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
15 - 17 days
Nestling Period
15 - 19 days
Feeding Habits
Rufous Hummingbird primarily consume nectar from vibrant, tube-shaped flowers and obtain protein and fats by preying on insects such as gnats, midges, flies, and aphids.
Habitat
Rufous Hummingbird are versatile dwellers found in a range of habitats, including forest edges, streamsides, and mountain meadows. They exhibit a preference for open or shrubby regions, forest clearings, residential gardens, parks, and occasionally in thicker environments like forests and swamps, especially at altitudes from sea level to 6,000 feet for breeding. During migration, they can be encountered in alpine meadows reaching 12,600 feet. Winters are spent in Mexico within oak, pine, and juniper woodlands situated at elevations of 7,500 to 10,000 feet, as well as in thorn forests and shrubby zones.
Nest Behavior
Rufous Hummingbird begins nesting shortly after arriving at breeding grounds, with females constructing the nests solo. They may lay eggs in nests previously used, engage in repeated nestings in close proximity, and provide all parental care.
Nest Characteristics
Rufous Hummingbird typically nests up to 30 feet high in various trees and sometimes in ferns or vines. The nest is made from plant down and spider web, camouflaged with lichen, moss, and bark, measuring about 2 inches across with a 1-inch wide cup.
Dite type
Nectivorous
People often ask
Migration Overview
Western rufous hummingbirds migrate through the Rocky Mountains and nearby lowlands during May to September to take advantage of the wildflower season. They may stay in one local region for the entire summer, in which case the migrants, like breeding birds, often aggressively take over and Defend feeding locations.Most winter in wooded areas in the Mexican state of Guerrero, traveling over 2,000 mi (3,200 km) by an overland route from its nearest summer home – a prodigious journey for a bird weighing only 3 to 4 g. Most rufous hummingbirds that migrate to the southeast of the United States and Caribbean Islands are juvenile birds and adult females, with adult males seldom seen. Since juveniles or females are essentially indistinguishable from Allen's hummingbirds unless confirmed by close inspection, eastern rufous migrants may be classified as "rufous /Allen's hummingbirds".
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Sugar Water
Bird Feeder Type
Nectar Feeder
Sounds
Call
Recording location: United States
Behavior
Rufous Hummingbird exhibit a dynamic daily routine, spending much of their time hovering at flowers to drink nectar or zipping between blooms in search of food. They maintain a vigilant presence, often perching to survey their surroundings, aggressively defending their feeding territories from other hummingbirds, regardless of migratory stopovers. Not only do they feed on nectar, but also adeptly hunt insects in mid-air, from spider webs, and on foliage. Rufous Hummingbird's can be seen displaying their vibrant throat colors and fanning tails when disturbed. During the breeding season, males engage in elaborate courtship displays, including steep dives and intricate figure-8 patterns to impress females.
Species Status
In 2018, the rufous hummingbird was uplisted from least concern to near threatened on the IUCN Red List, on the basis that due to its reliance on insect prey during the wintering season, it will be heavily affected by the global decline in insect populations due to pesticides and intensified agriculture. Due to climate change, many flowers that the rufous hummingbird feeds on during the breeding season have started blooming two weeks prior to the birds' arrival to their breeding locations, which may lead to rufous hummingbirds arriving too late to feed on them. 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Swifts and hummingbirds Family
Hummingbirds Genus
Selasphorus Species
Rufous Hummingbird 
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