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rufous hummingbird

bird
Also known as: Selasphorus rufus

Quick Summary

The rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a species of hummingbird found in western North America. It is a small bird, known for the male's chiefly reddish-brown coloration. Hummingbirds, in general, are small, often brightly colored birds belonging to the family Trochilidae. They are unique in their ability to fly not only forward but also backward, straight up and down, and to hover in place.12

Hummingbirds are found exclusively in the New World, with the greatest diversity in South America. Only about 12 species regularly occur in the United States and Canada. The rufous hummingbird breeds from southeastern Alaska to northern California, making it one of the northernmost hummingbird species.2

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