The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small, compact bird with an average length of 8-9 cm and a weight of 3-4 grams. Known for its feisty personality and remarkably long migrations, the Rufous Hummingbird breeds farther north than any other hummingbird species and has one of the largest breeding ranges of any North American hummingbird. But despite its wide distribution across western North America, the Rufous Hummingbird is still considered quite rare in many parts of its range. Here is an in-depth look at the rarity and conservation status of this fiery, fascinating hummingbird.
Breeding Range and Population
The breeding range of the Rufous Hummingbird extends from southeastern Alaska across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in the north, south through the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains to California, Arizona, and New Mexico. Isolated breeding populations also occur in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and at higher elevations in Mexico.
Within this expansive breeding range, Rufous Hummingbird populations are scattered and localized, with greater concentrations along the Pacific coast and in montane meadows and pine forests. Total breeding population estimates range from 3-7 million birds.
Region | Population Estimate |
---|---|
Pacific Northwest | 1.5-2.5 million |
Southwest | 1-3 million |
Rocky Mountains | 500,000-1 million |
Total | 3-7 million |
Compared to the abundant Ruby-throated Hummingbird of eastern North America which has a population estimate of 25 million, the scattered and localized populations of Rufous Hummingbirds make them quite uncommon and rare over much of their range.
Rarity in the West
In the western United States, Rufous Hummingbirds reach their greatest densities along the Pacific coast from Oregon to southern California, where ample flower resources provide ideal breeding habitat. Population densities decline rapidly away from the coast into drier interior regions.
In the Southwest, Rufous Hummingbirds are uncommon to rare breeders in most areas. For example, in New Mexico there are an estimated 25,000-65,000 breeding Rufous Hummingbirds, scattered sparsely across mountain ranges and riparian corridors in low densities.
Farther north in the interior Northwest, Rufous Hummingbirds occur only in limited numbers in localized breeding areas associated with meadows and pine forests in mountain ranges. Although they may be common within these preferred habitats, total numbers are small over the vast areas between the ranges.
Rarity in Canada
The northern limits of the Rufous Hummingbird’s breeding range reach southern Alaska and across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. But most of Canada’s Rufous Hummingbird population is concentrated in southwest British Columbia, with scattered and very localized breeding elsewhere.
One Canadian estimate put the total Rufous Hummingbird population at only 130,000-330,000 birds across the entire country. Their breeding range covers more than 2.5 million square kilometers of Canada, reflecting how sparse and patchy their populations are through most of their Canadian distribution.
Migration and Winter Range
One of the Rufous Hummingbird’s most remarkable traits is its lengthy migration. These tiny birds fly thousands of kilometers between their breeding grounds and wintering range each year. Their migratory path includes a narrow corridor along the Pacific Coast and a broader inland route through the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin.
The winter range extends from southern California and the Gulf Coast of the United States south into Mexico as far as Oaxaca. Most Rufous Hummingbirds winter in the coastal lowlands and foothills from Sinaloa to Guerrero, with highest numbers in coastal Jalisco.
Region | Winter Population Estimate |
---|---|
Southern California | Up to 120,000 |
Northern Mexico | 100,000-1 million |
Central Mexico | 2-6 million |
Southern Mexico | Tens of thousands |
Again, when compared to the estimated 14 million Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that gather along the U.S. Gulf Coast in winter, the smaller wintering populations and concentrated distribution of Rufous Hummingbirds point to their relative rarity in winter.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
One of the main threats facing Rufous Hummingbirds is loss of their specialized breeding and wintering habitats. In both areas, they are reliant on certain key resources:
- Breeding habitat – meadows and open pine forests with abundant wildflowers
- Winter habitat – coastal scrub, pine-oak woodlands, and arid tropical deciduous forest
These habitats are being degraded and fragmented by factors like urbanization, agriculture, overgrazing, development, and fire suppression. For example, over half of coastal sage scrub habitat in California has been lost, greatly reducing safe wintering grounds for Rufous Hummingbirds in the state.
Habitat loss not only removes key food plants, it also impacts Rufous Hummingbirds indirectly by facilitating competition with more aggressive southern species like Anna’s Hummingbird.
Climate Change Effects
Climate change poses a major long-term threat by disrupting phenology – the timing of natural events. Many plants are blooming and fruiting earlier as climate warms, before Rufous Hummingbirds arrive back on the breeding grounds. This mismatch means fewer food resources available right when the birds need them most after completing their long migrations.
Climate models also predict decreases in precipitation that could dry out western meadows and reduce nectar production in flowers. Hotter, drier conditions could make it harder for Rufous Hummingbirds to breed successfully and thrive at the northern limits of their range.
Conservation Status
Because of declining population trends in recent decades, the Rufous Hummingbird is ranked as a Bird of Conservation Concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Partners in Flight. However, its extensive range prevents it from being considered globally threatened.
Across most of its range, the Rufous Hummingbird remains fairly common. But local declines and extirpations make it rare and vulnerable over large portions of its breeding and wintering range.
Targeted habitat management and protections are needed to reverse population declines. Gardens, urban parks, and restored native plant habitats also play an important role by providing stopover habitat along migration routes and wintering grounds.
How You Can Help
Here are a few ways you can support and attract Rufous Hummingbirds:
- Plant native nectar flowers and blooming shrubs
- Avoid pesticides
- Install a sugar water feeder, especially during migration
- Let dead trees stand for perching sites
- Support habitat conservation efforts
Conclusion
The Rufous Hummingbird’s specialized habitat needs, scattered breeding distribution, and declining populations qualify it as a rare and local species through much of its range, especially away from the Pacific Coast. Targeted conservation strategies focused on habitat management and climate adaptation will be key to ensuring the future of this remarkable hummingbird.
Though small, the Rufous packs a big punch with its feisty personality, incredible migrations, and importance as a pollinator. Protecting populations and habitat for this ruby-red hummingbird will help preserve the biodiversity and resiliency of western North American ecosystems.