Bird Gallery Index

Rufous Hummingbird (female) image © Alan Murphy

Family: (Trochilidae) Hummingbirds

Preferred Habitat: Woods and backyard gardens.

Seasonal Occurrence: Uncommon mid-October through March.

Notes: Small numbers of hummingbirds remain in Houston during the winter. Among them, the Rufous Hummingbird is one of the most common. The male is easily recognized by his brilliant orange-red plumage. The female has a green back with an orange wash along the sides. Very feisty, both sexes readily emit distinctive sharp chips at intruders. The Rufous Hummingbird breeds in the Northwest, as far north as Alaska. It has an excellent memory and will often return to the same yard each winter.
- Susan Billetdeaux

Houston Audubon Hummingbird Fact Sheet

Rufous Hummingbird (male) image © Helen Baines