Rufous Hummingbird

migration champion · tiny bird · fast flyer · North America

Impossibly small. Rufous hummingbirds are only about 8 centimeters long, which is about as long as your thumb. Despite their tiny size, they're packed with energy and attitude.

Epic journey. These birds fly 3,200 kilometers during migration, traveling from Mexico all the way to Canada and back again. That's like flying across an entire continent twice a year.

Acrobatic fliers. Rufous hummingbirds can hover in place, fly backwards, and perform amazing aerial dives and twists. Their extraordinary flight skills help them survive in the wild.

Fiery colors. Males have bright rufous (reddish-orange) feathers on their backs and bellies that shine in the sunlight. This colorful plumage helps them attract mates.

Flower experts. They visit hundreds of flowers each day to drink sweet nectar for energy. Their long, straight bills are perfectly shaped to reach deep into flowers.