Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

Overview

The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird is a common and adaptable species found from Mexico through Central America and into northern South America, thriving in forest edge, gardens, second growth, and other semi-open habitats, including areas modified by humans. Its adaptability has made it one of the more frequently encountered hummingbirds across its range.

Both sexes share a similar green-and-rufous pattern, with iridescent green covering the throat and breast, a plainer gray belly, and a distinctly rufous tail that is a key identification feature.

Feather ID Notes

Throat and breast feathers show iridescent green, transitioning to gray on the lower belly, while the tail is a rich rufous color that stands out clearly against the green upperparts, especially in flight. The bill is red with a dark tip.

• Throat/breast feathers: iridescent green
• Belly feathers: gray, plainer than the throat
• Tail feathers: rufous, a key identifying feature
• Bill: red with a black tip The combination of a green throat, gray belly, and rufous tail is a reliable identifier, though care should be taken to separate this species from other Amazilia hummingbirds with similar general coloring in areas of range overlap.

Plumage Details

Sexes are quite similar in the Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, both showing the green throat/breast, gray belly, and rufous tail, with females sometimes appearing marginally duller. Juveniles show softer, less saturated coloring with some pale feather edging. There is no strong seasonal plumage change, with an annual molt maintaining feather condition.

Habitat & Range

This species is widespread in forest edge, second growth, gardens, and other semi-open habitats from Mexico through Central America and into northern South America, occupying a broad range of elevations. Most populations are resident, showing little seasonal migration.

Behavior & Field Notes

Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds feed on nectar from a wide range of native and cultivated flowers and readily use feeders, along with catching small insects in flight. They can be territorial and are often one of the more numerous and visible hummingbirds at flowering shrubs and gardens. Nests are small cups built in shrubs or low trees. Calls include sharp chip notes and buzzy chattering.