# Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds (*selasphorus*) These tiny birds are known for their incredible flying abilities! They can hover in mid-air and fly backwards, making them very special in the bird world. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Habitat:** Rufous and allied hummingbirds live in a variety of habitats including forests, gardens, and meadows. - **Also known as:** Broad-tailed Hummingbird ![Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Selasphorus_platycercus1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Selasphorus_platycercus1.jpg) ## Appearance The Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds are tiny, vibrant birds. Males often flash brilliant iridescent orange or red throats and rusty-orange flanks, contrasting with green backs. Females are duller green with less iridescence and some rufous on their sides. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Apodiformes - **Family:** Trochilidae - **Genus:** Selasphorus ## Interesting facts - A hummingbird's heart can beat over 1,200 times per minute when active! - Their tiny eggs are the size of jelly beans, yet hold a whole new bird! - These brave little birds often chase away much larger birds from their feeders! - They beat their wings so fast it makes a buzzing sound, like an insect! ## Special abilities - **Hovering Master:** Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds can hover perfectly still in mid-air because of their unique wing structure that allows 360-degree rotation. - **Energy Saver:** Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds can enter a deep sleep called torpor that helps them conserve energy during cold nights or food shortages. - **Migration Marvel:** Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds can fly thousands of kilometers during migration because of their incredible stamina and navigation skills. - **Nectar Seeker:** Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds has a long, extendable tongue that helps them reach sweet nectar deep inside tubular flowers. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 7-9 cm - **Wingspan:** 11-12 cm - **Weight:** 0.002-0.005 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-8 years - **Speed:** 55 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2 - **Incubation:** 15-18 days - **Migration Distance:** 6000 km ## Diet & Feeding These tiny birds feast on sugary flower nectar and tiny insects for energy. - **Primary Foods:** Flower nectar, Aphids, Gnats, Small spiders - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Sharp-shinned Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sharp-shinned-hawk) (*Accipiter striatus*) — A nimble hawk that can catch quick-flying birds. - **Pollinates:** [Scarlet Gilia](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scarlet-gilia) (*Ipomopsis aggregata*) — Its red tubular flowers are a favorite nectar source. - **Eaten by:** [Domestic Cat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — Outdoor cats pose a significant threat to these small birds. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds? 7-9 cm ### What is Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds's wingspan? 11-12 cm ### How much does Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds weigh? 0.002-0.005 kg ### How long does Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds live? 3-8 years ### How fast can Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds move? 55 km/h ### What does Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds eat? These tiny birds feast on sugary flower nectar and tiny insects for energy. ### Where is Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds usually found? Rufous and allied hummingbirds live in a variety of habitats including forests, gardens, and meadows. ## Where to spot - [Cabrillo Heights Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cabrillo-heights-park) — California, US · Park ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Rufous, Allen'S, And Allied Hummingbirds Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rufous-allens-and-allied-hummingbirds)