How do male and female hummingbirds differ in appearance?

In most hummingbird species, males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning they differ in appearance. While the sexes are alike in a few species, males of most species display significantly more brilliance and ornamentation than females.1

Male hummingbirds are often characterized by vibrant, iridescent colors and specialized features, such as a gorget—a bib of iridescent feathers that changes color depending on the viewing angle. They may also possess various ornamental structures, including crests, tufts of puffy feathers on their thighs known as "pantaloons," and uniquely shaped tail feathers that can be spatulate, wiry, or flaglike. In contrast, female plumage is typically more subdued, which serves as a form of concealing coloration to help them remain hidden while nesting.12

Additionally, there are often differences in size between the sexes. In many species, the female is larger than the male, which is also reflected in their flight mechanics; for example, females generally have a slower wing-beat rate than their male counterparts.1