Texas Hummingbird Roundup:
Rufous (Selasphorus rufus)

Rufous Hummingbird
(Selasphorus rufus)
Artwork © 2005 TPWD

Found in every ecoregion of the state, this is the bird often described as “the bully.” A notably aggressive bird around feeders or hummingbird gardens, this bird is found in a variety of habitats from scrub and thorn areas to forests and trees. Wintering birds often prefer feeders and gardens. The rufous is a small, compact, relatively short winged bird that will always show some of the color the name developed from.

Identifying Features (Male):

• Extensive red coloration moving to near total red coloration in adults. A limited number of adults will show some green on the back.
• Broad tail feathers with notch on second feathers from center
• Orange red gorget

Identifying Features (Female):

• Tail folds to a tapered point
• Usually obvious rufous at base of tail
• Broad tail feathers with second from middle slightly notched
• Tail projects slightly beyond tip of wings
• Will develop an orange red cluster of feathers in the center of gorget