Quick Answers
Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds are two small, brightly colored hummingbird species found along the west coast of North America. The main differences between them are:
- Plumage color – Rufous hummingbirds are bright orange on the back and belly, while Allen’s have green backs and rufous bellies.
- Range – Rufous hummingbirds breed farther north, up into Alaska and Canada, while Allen’s just breed along the Pacific Coast.
- Habitat – Rufous hummingbirds use a wider variety of habitats, including meadows and forests, while Allen’s prefer scrub and chaparral.
- Behavior – Allen’s hummingbirds are more aggressive and territorial than rufous hummingbirds.
- Classification – Rufous hummingbirds are in the genus Selasphorus while Allen’s are in the genus Selasphorus
Hummingbirds are some of the smallest, most colorful, and most acrobatic birds in the world. Their unique adaptations, like the ability to hover in midair and lick nectar from flowers with their specialized tongue, make them a favorite for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Along the Pacific Coast, two tiny hummingbirds stand out for their bright plumage – the rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) and the Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin). Though they look somewhat similar at first glance, these two species have key differences in their range, habitat preferences, behavior, and classification.
Plumage Differences
One of the first ways to tell rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds apart is by their plumage colors. Here is a quick overview:
Rufous Hummingbird
- Males have bright orange plumage covering their backs, sides, bellies, and the base of their tails.
- Their throats are shiny iridescent red.
- Females lack the bright orange and are green on the back with light orange bellies.
Allen’s Hummingbird
- Males have bright orange-red throats and a rufous belly.
- Their backs and tails are glossy green.
- Females are grayish-green on top with white undertail coverts and rufous along the sides of the throat.
In flight, the broad orange tail of the male rufous is distinctive compared to the narrow orange tip on an Allen’s green tail. Females of the two species also show subtle differences, especially on the throat and undertail. An experienced birdwatcher can identify these hummingbirds at a quick glance based on the plumage patterns.
Range and Geographical Distribution
Another key difference between rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds is their geographical breeding range along the west coast:
Rufous Hummingbird
- Breeds from southeastern Alaska south along the Pacific Coast through Washington, Oregon, and California.
- Also breeds inland across mountainous areas of the western U.S., as far east as Colorado and Wyoming.
- Migrates through the Southwest and into Mexico during winter.
- Has been recorded as a vagrant along the Gulf Coast and the Eastern Seaboard.
Allen’s Hummingbird
- Breeds exclusively in coastal California and the southern tip of Oregon.
- Migrates short distances into the coastal regions of Baja California for the winter.
- Rarely spotted outside of its narrow Pacific Coast breeding grounds.
The rufous hummingbird occupies a much broader range and can be found in a wider variety of habitats across western North America. The Allen’s hummingbird has a small coastal distribution and is restricted to California for breeding. Birders east of the Rocky Mountains are unlikely to see an Allen’s unless the bird goes far off course during migration.
Habitat Preferences
Within their respective ranges, rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds use somewhat different breeding habitats:
Rufous Hummingbird Habitats
- Open meadows with scattered flowers and shrubs.
- Forest openings and edges.
- Backyards and gardens in towns or near human habitation.
- Higher elevation mountain meadows and pine forests.
Allen’s Hummingbird Habitats
- Coastal scrub habitat.
- Chapparal covered slopes.
- Woodland gardens and parks.
- Rarely ventures into higher elevation areas.
The rufous hummingbird is more of a habitat generalist, taking advantage of any area that provides enough flowers, nectar, and small insects. Allen’s hummingbirds are more selective, sticking to lower elevation scrubby areas close to the Pacific Coast. This likely reduces competition between the two species in areas where their ranges overlap.
Behavioral Differences
Observing how these hummingbirds behave can also help distinguish between them:
Rufous Hummingbird Behavior
- Quick, darting flight with rapid wingbeats.
- Aggressively defends nectar flowers and feeders.
- Males perform aerial courtship displays during breeding season.
- Constantly vocalizes with buzzy, chipping calls.
- More cautious around humans than Allen’s hummingbirds.
Allen’s Hummingbird Behavior
- Swift direct flight with some hovering.
- Fiercely territorial – will stand its ground and chase off intruders.
- Male courtship display is a steep, u-shaped dive.
- High pitched chipping vocalizations.
- Often boldly approaches feeders and flowering plants around human activity.
The Allen’s hummingbird is known for being more aggressive and competitive, unwilling to share territory or food sources with other birds. Rufous hummingbirds are more skittish but still scrappy and willing to chase off intruders.
Taxonomy and Classification
Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds were formerly considered one species – Rufous. Ornithologists Split them based on physical, vocalization, habitat, and genetic differences. Their scientific classification is:
Rufous Hummingbird
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Apodiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Selasphorus
- Species: S. rufus
Allen’s Hummingbird
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Apodiformes
- Family: Trochilidae
- Genus: Selasphorus
- Species: S. sasin
They are considered sister species in the genus Selasphorus. DNA analysis has confirmed their evolutionary divergence. Other hummingbirds in Selasphorus include the Scintillant Hummingbird and Volcano Hummingbird.
Identification Tips
Here are some handy tips for identifying whether you are observing a rufous or Allen’s hummingbird:
- Look at the tail color – rufous will be broad orange, Allen’s just an orange tip.
- Check the belly and back color – rufous has an orange belly, Allen’s belly is green.
- Consider the habitat – scrub means more likely Allen’s, meadows suit rufous.
- Watch behavior – Allen’s is feisty and bold, rufous is more cautious.
- If west of the Rockies it is likely rufous, along the California coast go with Allen’s.
- Listen for vocalizations – rufous makes buzzing and chipping calls, Allen’s just chips.
- Juveniles are harder to identify – look for some rufous hints on the throat or sides.
With some practice, birdwatchers can learn to recognize the unique field marks and behaviors to tell these hummingbirds apart.
Conclusion
Rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds have adapted to thrive in the habitats along the Pacific Coast. Their ranges may overlap in some areas, but they minimize competition by differences in habitat use, food sources, and behavior. While they look similar at first glance, features like plumage, range, habitat, vocalizations, and classification reveal them to be distinct, unique species. Careful observation and an understanding of their differences help bird enthusiasts correctly identify which Selasphorus hummingbird they have encountered.