Texas Hummingbird Roundup:
Allen's (Selasphorus sasin)

Allen's Hummingbird
(Selasphorus sasin)
Artwork © 2005 TPWD

This bird, recently removed from the Texas Bird Records Committee review species list, is very similar to the Rufous Hummingbird and is often confused with the Rufous Hummingbird. It is generally slightly smaller, with a smaller tail and relatively long bill. It also has the extensive green back. It has not been recorded in the High Plains and Rolling Plains nor in East Texas Pineywoods. It is generally associated with forest edge and clearings in the non-resident habitat.

Identifying Features (Male):

• Very narrow, pinlike outer tail feathers
• Narrow, lanceolate tail feathers
• Back always solid green – rump may be red
• Rufous flanks, tail, face
• Green crown
• Orange red gorget

Identifying Features (Female):

• Narrow outer tail feathers tipped in white
• Lanceolate feathers second from middle with no notch
• Rufous webbing in tail
• Orange eyebrow
• White breast
• Orange red central spot on gorget
• Rufous flanks