Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) Male photos by Larry Jordan
The Rufous Hummingbird’s (Selasphorus rufus) size to weight ratio appears to be nearly optimal making it the most maneuverable hummer in North America1. He is so superior in flight that he is known for being “aggressive” toward other hummingbirds. Click on photos for full sized images.
Some of the fabulous colors of hummingbirds (like the male’s gorget) are created by feathers with a grid structure, a grating effect that produces evenly scored lines, with both sides of the grid covered by a smooth membrane1.
Components of white light entering this feather structure are split (refracted) into separate colors.
Refracted light produces colors in their purest form, just like a rainbow. See how this male’s gorget changes color as he turns his head.
No wonder they are called “jewels of the sky,” they are like flying little bits of rainbows! The red color in this bird’s beak is actually just a reflection of the color off his gorget.
When I noticed that one of the feeders was staying full while all the other feeders were being quickly consumed by numerous hummingbirds, I realized that Rufous must be in town. This gorget flashing and tail flaring are aggressive territorial displays by this male Rufous Hummingbird.
As they migrate through California to their breeding grounds in the North…
the male will aggressively defend a food source against all comers, even females of his own species.
Here he is showing off that famous hummingbird tongue after chasing off any hummer that came near not only his feeder, but his tree!
Needless to say, this aggressive, territorial behavior gave good photographic capture opportunities of the male Rufous Hummingbird since he was always hanging out in the same tree, near the same feeder!
“What do you think you’re doing up there? This is MY feeder!”
I love having these beauties visit as they pass through on the way to their northern breeding grounds, wondering every year if any of them are going to stay and raise a brood.
My favorite thing about the experience this year was capturing video of this male as he preened just a few yards away!
To see more great bird photos from around the world, check out World Bird Wednesday and come join the fun by sharing your own bird photos!
References: 1Dan True (1994). Hummingbirds of North America. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press
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How beautiful Larry! I can’t wait until the hummingbirds arrive here.
Thanks Mia. It’s early morning and I’m getting ready for work now but I popped over to your blog and started looking at all your photographs. Whenever I go to your site, I need lots of time because I get immersed in your photography and loose track of time. I will have to return later and drool over your images when I have time to comment 😉
beautiful, tough guys. 🙂
A real beauty! The video is Dreamy!
Great series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
adorable hummingbird
Wonderful little birds I will never tire of seeing on blogs…
Nothing like them in the UK.
Your images are stunning.
Larry these are awesome shots!
Thank you for the time you spent giving such wonderful info. I can’t help but think in the sunlight how much the gorget looks like a knight’s shining armor. 🙂
I’m truly in awe of the detail you achieved capturing these quick little beauties.
Great shots! Well done!
Love the cute hummer, its has beautiful colors. I would love to see one in person. Wonderful post and photos.
Such a beautiful shot of that tiny little bird. I was thinking of putting up a hummer feeder in my backyard but wasn’t sure if I missed the season already.
WOW; your first image othe hummer is just so ..beautiful! Petite and weeny little bird; I try to imagine quite how small. The video clip is incredible. I hadn’t imagined that these birds actually stayed still like that for very long. You were obviously extremely patient on the day and got lucky! You must’ve been on a high for ages after capturing this one. Is that audio frogs or ….? I hear the water-fall or stream there too. What a special moment for you. Thanks so much for sharing.
Your Rufous is certainly a beauty, I would love to see one here , but they don’t migrate in my neck of the woods! 🙁 Love his gorget, it reminds me of sequins!
Great photos. They are such beautiful little birds.
Great captures.I specially like the ones in flight:)Have a great Wednesday!!
Shantana
Great pictures you show.
Wishing you a good day.
Hanne Bente / hbt.finus.dk
Fantastic post!! I never seen a hummingbird so thanks for showing these wonderful photos!!
Congratulations are in order Larry, these are exquisite, brilliant, beautiful captures of this Hummingbird species!
Great captures!!!
Regards
…beautiful, beautiful photos of the little guy, and the video was awesome! (Cool to watch the colors flash when he moved toward the sun. I loved hearing the frog in the background too.) Our Ruby-throats have not returned to our yard yet. I’m waiting!
Beautiful photos! They really showcase the jewel-like tones of these amazing little birds.
Beautiful colors!I`m on the lookout for our hummingbirds,they should be here any day now,phyllis
Love those colors. We only have the Ruby Throats here.
Straight up Larry, your video is the coolest thing I’ve seen all day. How fascinating, true eye candy!
Fantastic and interesting post!
Thanks for sharing your great photos/video of these adorable birds.
One of the birds I wish I could see here.
Wow, what an incredible post and set of images, Larry! As many chances as I’ve had, the Rufous is still a life bird for me. Haven’t seen one. Of course, I have some catching up to do with my late start.
Gorgeous photos of a beautiful bird. I miss seeing them since I have moved east. I used to get them in my backyard during fall migration when I lived near Tucson.