Rufous Hummingbird or Calliope Hummingbird?
Here's how to tell the difference
Rufous Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
General appearance
The rufous hummingbird measures about the length of 3 1/2 inches or 9 cm, similar to a sparrow. It boasts an array of colors: black, green, orange, red, and white. Its wing and tail shapes are varied, being narrow, rounded, and short, with multiple points, notches, rounded edges, and square tips.
Male vs female
The adult male is distinguished by a bright coppery rufous color above with a dark throat that glistens red in favorable light. In contrast, females and young sport a green back, a spotted throat with an orange-buff wash on their sides and at the tail's base, presenting a more variegated look.
Juvenile
Juvenile rufous hummingbirds share similar physical attributes with the females, with a green back, a spotted throat, and an orange-buff wash on the sides and tail base. It is likely these colors help them blend into their surroundings for protection, since their eye-catching adult coloration is not yet developed.
Size
3.5 - 3.9 in/0.1 - 0.2 oz
There's more to learn about Rufous Hummingbird
View full detailsCalliope Hummingbird
Selasphorus calliope
General appearance
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird at a size of 2 3/4-3 1/4 inches or 7-8 cm, comparable to a Sparrow. It features a short, rounded tail with a square tip. The wings are narrow and rounded. Colorations include green, orange, purple, and red.
Male vs female
The adult male Calliope Hummingbird displays distinctive magenta stripes on its throat and pale green on its sides. Females, as well as younger birds, are smaller than female Rufous Hummingbirds, and have a shorter bill. They also show a pale buff wash across their chest. Females possess very little rusty color at the base of their tail, differentiating them from the males.
Juvenile
Juvenile Calliope Hummingbirds are similar to females in size, with a shorter bill. They also share the characteristic of a pale buff wash clearly seen across their chest. Differences may emerge with seasonal variations, which influence their appearance.
Size
3.1 - 3.5 in/0.1 oz
There's more to learn about Calliope Hummingbird
View full detailsHow to tell the Rufous Hummingbird from the Calliope Hummingbird
Visual differences
The Rufous Hummingbird is slightly larger at 3.5-4 inches, with males displaying vibrant coppery rufous plumage, a glistening red throat, and a longer, slender bill. Females and juveniles exhibit green backs and orange-buff sides. The Calliope Hummingbird, at 2.75-3.25 inches, features males with magenta-striped throats and pale green sides. Females and juveniles have a pale buff chest, shorter bill, and minimal rust at the tail base. Rufous tails are varied with notches, while Calliope tails are short, rounded, and have square tips.
Key differences and behavior
The Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, while both frequent migratory travelers, display notable behavioral differences. Rufous Hummingbirds, characterized by their aggressiveness, are known for defending territories and remembering feeder locations. Their 2,000-mile migrations contrast with the Calliope’s longer 5,000-mile journey. Rufous males perform courtship with steep U-shaped dives and vocalizations, while Calliopes add zinging tail buzzes to their similar displays. Rufous hummingbirds inhabit forest edges and mountainous meadows, whereas Calliopes favor forest glades and canyons. When breeding, both species rely on females for nesting and feeding duties. In terms of diet, both species consume nectar and insects but may use feeders for supplemental sugar-water, especially during long migrations.
Still not sure? Here are more lookalikes!
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