From Opus

Selasphorus rufus

Photo by mikyip
Location: Nanoose Bay

[edit] Identification

8cm. Adult male: Non-iridescent rufous crown, tail, and sides; back may be rufous, green , or some of each; bright orange-red gorget, white breast. Adult female: Green back and crown, white breast, streaked throat, rufous sides and base of tail feathers, white tips on outer tail feathers.

[edit] Similar Species

Almost identical to Allen's Hummingbird, but does not share much range. The females are very similar to female Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.

[edit] Distribution

Western United States and Canada in mountainous areas. Sometimes strays into eastern U.S.

[edit] Taxonomy

This species is monotypic.^[1]

[edit] Habitat

Open areas and forest edges.

[edit] Behaviour

These birds feed on nectar from flowers using a long extendable tongue or catch insects on the wing. Able to survive in sub-freezing temperatures if food is available, they have changed migration patterns to take advantage of feeding stations.

The female builds a nest in a protected location in a shrub or conifer.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019

• List of references

[edit] External Links