A Rufous Hummingbird in flight in Sedona, Arizona. Photo: Ronen Tivony
I’m happy to share that my photograph of a Rufous Hummingbird in flight, taken in Sedona, Arizona during one of my hummingbird workshops, received an Honorable Mention in the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles (PPAGLA) Q3 2025 contest.
About the Rufous Hummingbird – Quick, Interesting Facts
1. Long-Distance Migrant With a Unique Route
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) completes one of the most remarkable migrations of any North American bird. Each year, it follows a clockwise loop, traveling north up the Pacific Coast in spring and returning south through the Rocky Mountains in late summer and fall. This long-distance journey spans thousands of miles and pushes the limits of what such a small bird can endure.
2. Small but Mighty
Measuring only about 3 to 3.75 inches in length, the Rufous Hummingbird is tiny but fiercely territorial. Males display brilliant rufous-orange plumage, while females are greener with rufous highlights on the sides and tail. Despite their size, they aggressively defend their feeding areas and often chase away much larger birds without hesitation.
3. Record-Breaking Mileage
For a bird that weighs less than a nickel, its stamina is incredible. Rufous Hummingbirds can migrate an average of 2,700 kilometers, and some have been recorded flying up to 4,000 kilometers between their breeding and wintering grounds. It is one of the longest migrations relative to body size in the bird world.
4. Versatile Feeders and Expert Fliers
Rufous Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar but also hunt small insects midair to get essential protein. Their flight skills are extraordinary, allowing them to hover, reverse, dart, and pivot in a fraction of a second. These traits make them both challenging and rewarding subjects for wildlife photographers who want to capture motion and precision in a single frame.