Often described as "feisty", the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) may have the ideal size to weight ratio among North American hummingbirds.  This species out flies all the other species, and usually gets its way at feeders at the expense of slower, less maneuverable hummingbirds.  The Rufous has the longest migration route of all U.S. hummingbirds.  It is also the only species know to go into torpor routinely at night.  Other species only use torpor to conserve energy in emergencies.

Male Rufous Hummingbird

Female Rufous Hummingbird

Description:

Average Weight: Male 3.22g, Female 3.41g.

Male: Non-iridescent rufous back, crown, tail, and flanks; bright orange-red gorget, white breast.

Female: Green back and crown, white breast, white throat with red spots, rufous flanks and at the base of the tail feathers, outer tail feather tips are white.  Female can not safely be distinguished from the Allen's female in the field.

Immature: Young of both sexes look like the female and can not be safely distinguished from the Rufous in the field.

Distribution:

Observed in every state and province except Hawaii, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.  There was even one very unusual report from eastern Siberia!  The Rufous is the most widely distributed hummingbird in North America.  Winters in Mexico and Central America.  This is the most common wintering hummingbird in Georgia.