Quick Answer
The Rufous Hummingbird is slightly larger than the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The Rufous Hummingbird has an average length of 3.1-3.5 in and a wingspan of 4.3 in. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has an average length of 2.8-3.4 in and a wingspan of 3.1-4.3 in. So while their sizes overlap, the Rufous tends to be a bit bigger on average.
Comparing Physical Features
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds found in North America. But there are some size differences between the various species. Here is a comparison of the Rufous and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds:
Size
Species | Length (in) | Wingspan (in) |
---|---|---|
Rufous Hummingbird | 3.1-3.5 | 4.3 |
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 2.8-3.4 | 3.1-4.3 |
As the table shows, the Rufous Hummingbird is slightly larger than the Ruby-throated in both total length and wingspan. The Rufous averages 3.3 in long with a 4.3 in wingspan, while the Ruby-throated averages 3.1 in long with a 3.7 in wingspan.
Weight
The Rufous also tends to be heavier than the Ruby-throated. Rufous Hummingbirds weigh on average 0.1-0.2 oz. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds weigh 0.1 oz on average.
Differences in Males and Females
In both species, the males are slightly larger than the females. A male Rufous Hummingbird may be over 10% larger than a female Rufous. The difference is less pronounced in Ruby-throats, but the males still average larger.
So when comparing the largest individuals of both species, the male Rufous Hummingbird would be the biggest. But on average, the female Rufous is still slightly bigger than a male or female Ruby-throat.
Plumage and Markings
In addition to size, there are some notable differences in the plumage and markings of these two hummingbird species:
Rufous Hummingbird
- Males have bright, iridescent orange-red throats and crowns
- Females have green backs, white bellies, and speckled throats
- Tail is rufous colored with black tip
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Males have bright red throats
- Females and juveniles are plain green on back with white underside
- No rufous or orange in plumage
- Tail lacks rufous coloring
The vibrant orange-red plumage on the male Rufous is an easy way to distinguish it from the Ruby-throated, which only has red on the throat. Females are harder to differentiate, but the Rufous has speckled throat markings while the Ruby-throat has a plain white underside.
Geographic Range and Habitat
Part of the reason for their size differences is the habitats and geographic ranges these species occupy:
Rufous Hummingbird
- Breeds farther north than any other hummingbird
- Summers in the northwestern U.S. and western Canada
- Winters in Mexico and the Gulf Coast
- Common in open areas, meadows, and forests
- Most widespread hummingbird in western North America
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America
- Summers across eastern U.S. and southern Canada
- Winters in Florida, Mexico, and Central America
- Most common in deciduous forest and gardens
- Less common in western part of range
The Rufous occupies a much wider geographic range and variety of habitats. It is common even in cold northern climates. This exposes it to more varied food sources and evolutionary pressures, which may have led to its slightly larger size. The Ruby-throat is more concentrated in eastern forests.
Behavioral Differences
Differences in behaviors and feeding habits between the species also account for the Rufous Hummingbird’s larger size:
Rufous Hummingbird
- Aggressive – actively defends feeding territories
- Will tolerate a wider temperature range
- Eats more insects along with nectar
- Visits more varieties of flowers
- Prefers perching instead of hovering to feed
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Less aggressive over food sources
- More limited temperature tolerance
- Feeds almost exclusively on nectar
- Prefers hovering to feed
The Rufous is known for being territorial and monopolizing food sources. Its willingness to eat insects provides more protein and fat, which may allow it to sustain a larger body size. The Ruby-throat relies solely on nectar and is more limited by cold weather.
Reproduction and Longevity
Reproductive strategies and lifespan are also key differences:
Rufous Hummingbird
- Single brooded
- 2-3 eggs per clutch
- Female incubates eggs alone
- Average lifespan 3-5 years
- Oldest recorded 12 years
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Double brooded
- 2 eggs per clutch
- Male and female share incubation
- Average lifespan 5 years
- Oldest recorded 9 years
The Ruby-throat is able to produce two broods per year. But the Rufous lives longer on average. The extra year of development may allow them to reach a slightly larger maximum size. Their partnering behaviors and cold weather adaptations also influence size over time.
Conclusion
While the differences are slight, the evidence shows that the Rufous Hummingbird is indeed larger on average than the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Some key points:
- Rufous is larger in length and wingspan
- Weighs slightly more
- Exhibits more aggressive feeding behaviors
- Has a wider habitat range
- Lives longer on average
So the next time you see a hummingbird buzzing by, look for signs of rufous coloration, size, behavior, and habitat. These clues can help clue you in to whether you’re seeing the larger Rufous or the smaller Ruby-throat. While both are diminutive and dazzling birds, the Rufous Hummingbird stands out as the giant of North American hummingbirds.