Rufous-Tailed Hummingbird or Allen's Hummingbird?

General appearance

The Rufous-Tailed Hummingbird measures roughly 10 to 12 cm in length. Primarily bright green, it flaunts a reddish-brown and slightly forked tail, from which it gets its name. A white spot behind each eye adds to its allure. Its bill is straight and noticeably reddish in color.

Male vs female

Males and females are indistinguishable by plumage, both boasting the same vibrant green and reddish-brown tones. However, females may be slightly larger in size. During mating seasons, males perform impressive airborne displays to appeal to females.

Juvenile

Juvenile Rufous-Tailed Hummingbirds sport similar coloration to their adult counterparts, making them difficult to distinguish. They might show a more uneven, fluffier feather arrangement and their tail feathers can be shorter. They gain full adult plumage within several weeks after leaving the nest.

Primary habitat

The rufous-tailed hummingbird is predominantly found in Central America to northern South America and prefers tropical and subtropical humid lowland forests.

Additional range

This species can also thrive in heavily degraded habitats, plantations, and gardens.

Natural diet

The rufous-tailed hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, including heliconias, hibiscus, and morning glories. This diet provides them with the necessary sugars for energy. Additionally, they consume small insects and spiders, which offer essential proteins and nutrients for maintaining their health and supporting their high metabolism.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, rufous-tailed hummingbirds are often attracted to sugar-water solutions. These feeders replicate the nectar found in flowers, providing an accessible food source for hummingbirds. The solution typically consists of one part sugar dissolved in four parts water, mimicking the composition of natural nectar. They may also visit feeders targeting other hummingbird species if the sugar concentration is suitable.