This species, nearly identical to Allen’s Hummingbird, ranges farther north than any other hummingbird. Male: Rusty-orange overall, with green on the crown, and variable amounts of green on the back of some individuals. The gorget is coppery-red, often with a greenish sheen. The breast is white. The belly and sides are rufous. Tail feathers are rufous with black tips. The outer tail feathers are thin, but not needle-like as on Allen’s Hummingbird. The next-to-central set of tail feathers are notched at the tip, not smoothly pointed as on Allen’s. In flight, the wings produce a metallic trill. Female: Dull bronze-green above, with very limited rufous on rump. Throat is whitish with dark spots and a concentration of orange-red spots in the center. The underparts are white with pale buffy-orange sides. Tail feathers are rufous at the base, then green and/or black. The three outer sets of tail feathers have white tips. As on the male, the next-to-center set of tail feathers are notched at the tip, not smoothly pointed as on Allen’s.

Length: 10 (cm) Wingspan: 12 (cm)

Voice:

Call is a harsh chi-tick. At the end of male's display dive, a stuttering ch-ch-ch-ch-chi is diagnostic.

Habitat:

Uses a broad range of habitats, including mature forest, open woodland, meadow, and residential areas.

Behavior:

Male's display is a series of J-shaped dives, all starting at different points but ending at the same point. Males are extremely aggressive in defending feeding stations.

Feeding:

Feeds on floral nectar and small insects.