Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is a rare to uncommon spring migrant on campus in March-May and fall migrant July-September. The best locations to look for them on campus in spring are the the blooming bottlebrush trees along Sierra Drive or in front of the UEC Buildling. It is a fairly common migrant throughout southern California.High Count: 6, Average Count: 1-2The adult male Rufous Hummingbird can be identified by its bright rufous head, upperparts, and sides, red gorget (iridescent feathers on the throat), and mostly white underparts. Females and immature males differ from adult males by having an iridescent green crown and upperparts, and a white throat with variable golden-red iridescent spotting. Female and immature male Rufous Hummingbirds are nearly identical to female and immature male Allen's Hummingbirds (Selasphorus sasin), which are year-round residents along the coastal slope and uncommon migrants through the foothills. For this reason, females and immature males are often referred to as Rufous/Allen's Hummingbirds where the two species overlap in distribution.