Picture this: you’re in your backyard, binoculars at the ready when you spot a flash of dazzling orange darting through the air. Is it a Rufous Hummingbird, or is it an Allen? These two copper-colored gems are among the most challenging birds to differentiate, even for seasoned birdwatchers.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help you decode their subtle differences and finally crack which is which. Grab your field guide and look into this list of seven key differences between the Rufous and Allen Hummingbirds.
1. Geographic Range
One of the best clues for distinguishing between a Rufous and Allen Hummingbird is where you find them.
Rufous Hummingbirds are the globe-trotters of the pair. They breed as far north as Alaska and migrate all the way down to Mexico for the winter. Their migration path covers the western half of North America, and they can occasionally stray further east.
In contrast, Allen Hummingbirds are homebodies. They mainly breed in coastal California and southern Oregon, with a non-migratory population staying year-round on the Channel Islands. A smaller migratory group heads to Mexico for winter, sticking to a relatively small range compared to their Rufous cousins.
2. Tail Feathers (Rectrices)
Next time you catch a glimpse of these little flittering jewels, look closely at their tail feathers.
Male Rufous Hummingbirds have broad, tapered outer tail feathers that are almost entirely rufous-colored except for a thin black tip. Females also have rufous outer tail feathers but with green bases and broad white tips.
Meanwhile, Allen Hummingbirds have narrower, more pointed outer tail feathers with a distinctive notch near the tip. In males, these feathers are mostly rufous with black tips, while females have a greater mix of green and rufous.
3. Back Coloring
If you can get a good look at their backs, you might spot a crucial difference between the two species.
Male Rufous Hummingbirds often have a completely rufous back, occasionally showing a few green feathers scattered across it. Females have green upperparts with some rufous on the rump.
Male Allen Hummingbirds, on the other hand, typically have more green on their backs, often appearing almost entirely green. Females share this characteristic but usually show a mix of green and rufous.
4. Gorget Color
A male hummingbird’s gorget—the flashy iridescent patch on its throat—offers another clue to its identity.
Rufous males sport a stunning red-orange gorget that catches the sunlight like molten fire. Females have a smaller, subtler patch that’s often speckled.
Allen males share the same color range but tend to have a more uniformly bright orange gorget with fewer speckles. In females, the gorget appears even more muted and may not help much in distinguishing between the two species.
5. Courtship Flight Displays
If you’re lucky enough to witness their courtship displays, you’ll see significant differences in their aerial acrobatics.
Male Rufous Hummingbirds perform a U-shaped display dive, often followed by a series of rapid side-to-side movements like a swinging pendulum.
Male Allen Hummingbirds execute a distinctive J-shaped dive. They also engage in a back-and-forth shuttle display, but it is often slower and more deliberate than the Rufous.
6. Behavior & Aggressiveness
Both species are known for their feisty personalities, but Rufous Hummingbirds take it up a notch.
Rufous Hummingbirds are famously aggressive and territorial. They have no qualms about chasing away birds much larger than themselves and often dominate feeders.
While Allen Hummingbirds can also be territorial, they’re generally less aggressive. They prefer to establish and defend their own feeding territories rather than engage in constant skirmishes.
7. Conservation Status
Understanding their conservation status can also offer insights into the current challenges they face.
Rufous Hummingbird populations have seen a worrying decline in recent years, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify them as Near Threatened. Habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change affecting their migration routes are likely contributors. (ref)
Allen Hummingbird populations are also shrinking, particularly the migratory subspecies (S. s. sasin), which is listed as Near Threatened. Urbanization and habitat fragmentation in coastal California are primary concerns.
While both species can leave birders scratching their heads, knowing these seven key differences can make identifying them much easier.
Whether it’s geography, plumage details, or characteristic flights, you’ll now be better equipped to spot the subtle distinctions and confidently say whether it’s a Rufous or an Allen Hummingbird.
Don’t Miss These:
Hummingbirds Aren’t Just After Nectar—Here’s What They Need
Attract Birds by Transforming Your Yard Into a Mini Nature Reserve
Make Your Garden Irresistible to Hummingbirds With These 5 Tips
Hummingbirds Can’t Resist These 11 Gorgeous Purple Blooms
14 Shrubs That Will Make Your Garden a Robin Haven
Natural Pest Control: Welcome Owls and Hawks to Your Garden
7 Reasons Cardinals Are Icons of Christmas Cheer
7 States Call the Cardinal Their Own—What It Means
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.