Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Identification
The male ruby-throated hummingbird is an industrious bird, constantly flitting among flowers and feeders, not only to feed but also to defend their territory from other hummingbirds. But when those other hummingbirds are nearby, it can be a challenge to identify the ruby-throats. Looking for these clues can help identify a ruby-throated hummingbird:
Female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Identification
Many female hummingbirds look similar, particularly among the hummingbirds of North America. However, by understanding the clues that distinguish the female ruby-throated hummingbird from her western cousins, it’s possible to tell different females apart. Watch for these clues for a confident identification:
Identify a Juvenile Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Juvenile ruby-throated hummingbirds resemble their mothers with more camouflaged plumage, but as they mature, they begin to develop male coloration and patterns. During fall hummingbird migration, it may seem as though there are many more female hummingbirds about, but looking for these subtle clues can help birders distinguish which birds are actually male juvenile birds:
