While some of these hummingbirds are unique and distinctive, others are very similar and can only be told apart by one or two definitive clues, clues that may not always be easy to see. The hummingbird identification list below can help even novice birders narrow down the clues that separate each species, helping improve hummingbird identification skills so every birder feels more confident about the hummers they see. To use this list, compare the most noticeable characteristics of hummingbirds you see with the notes to help eliminate species from the identification possibilities. With just a few clues such as throat color, bill color and shape, tail color and shape, range, and some other distinct features, you will be able to accurately and confidently identify each hummingbird.
Hummingbird Identification List
Note: The characteristics used below are simplifications for the purpose of easy identification. Male (M) and female (F) distinctions are used where applicable.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Throat: M - red, F - plainBill: black, straightTail: M - slight fork, F - white tipsRange: eastOther: only hummingbird widely seen in the east
Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
Throat: M - red, F - streaked Bill: black, straight Tail: rufous patches on sides Range: interior west Other: white chin, females show buff flanks, wings make loud metallic trill in flight
Rufous Hummingbird
Throat: M - orange-red, F - splotched or spotted black Bill: straight Tail: M - forked, F - white tips Range: west, southeast in winter Other: faint wing trill, very aggressive at feeders, most males have orange upperparts
Allen’s Hummingbird
Throat: M - orange, F - splotched blackBill: straightTail: orangeRange: Pacific coastOther: generally shows a green back and orange flanks
Costa’s Hummingbird
Throat: M - pinkish-purple, F - plain Bill: black, straight Tail: straight across Range: southwest, Pacific coast Other: males show purple pink on the forehead and crown
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Throat: M - black and purple, F - plain or faintly streakedBill: black, straightTail: slightly forkedRange: widespread in westOther: active tail movement while feeding, white collar contrasts with male’s throat
Violet-Crowned Hummingbird
Throat: plain whiteBill: red with black tip, straightTail: slightly curved when spreadRange: southwest / rareOther: genders are similar, both show a blue-purple crown
Blue-Throated Mountain Gem
Throat: M - blue, F - grayBill: black, straightTail: broad white cornersRange: southwest / rareOther: exceptionally large size, dull underparts, white stripe noticeable on face
Calliope Hummingbird
Throat: M - pink-magenta streaks, F - faintly streakedBill: black, straightTail: M - black, F - white tipsRange: Pacific northwest, interior westOther: smallest of the North American hummingbirds
Lucifer Hummingbird
Throat: M - pink-purple, F - plainBill: black, decurvedTail: forkedRange: southwest / rareOther: Females show buff underparts
Anna’s Hummingbird
Throat: M - pink-red, F - streaked or splotchedBill: black, straightTail: M - forked, F - slight white cornersRange: year-round Pacific coast, southwestOther: tail held still while feeding, males show pink-red forehead and crown
Plain-Capped Starthroat
Throat: red-brown Bill: black, straight, exceptionally long Tail: slightly ridged Range: southern Arizona / rare Other: white rump patch, white malar streak
Magnificent Hummingbird
Throat: M - green-black or turquoise, F - slightly streakedBill: black, straight, exceptionally longTail: straightRange: southwest / rareOther: males show a purple forehead and crown
Broad-Billed Hummingbird
Throat: M - blue-green, F - grayBill: red base, black tip, thick base, straightTail: slightly forkedRange: southern ArizonaOther: flips and wags tail when hovering
Berylline Hummingbird
Throat: apple greenBill: black above, reddish below, straightTail: rusty redRange: southwestern Arizona / rareOther: rust color prominent in tail and wings
Buff-Bellied Hummingbird
Throat: green-black Bill: red with black tip, slightly decurved Tail: rufous, rounded Range: south Texas Other: genders are similar, both show pale buff underparts
White-Eared Hummingbird
Throat: M - blue-green, F - streaked or spottedBill: red base, black tip, straightTail: bronze-green, M - forked, F - straightRange: southwest / rareOther: broad white ear stripe
Xantus’s Hummingbird
Throat: M - black-green, F - buffBill: red with black tip, straightTail: rufous-brownRange: southern California / rareOther: broad bill base, white ear stripe, rich buff underparts
Green Violet-Ear
Throat: bright greenBill: black, straightTail: blue-green with dark band near tipRange: Texas / rareOther: genders are similar, both show a blue-purple ear patch
Green-Breasted Mango
Throat: M - green, F - white with black central stripeBill: black, decurvedTail: M - reddish purple, F - white tipsRange: south Texas / rareOther: large size and overall dark coloration
Want to learn more about each of these hummingbird species? See the complete photo gallery of North American hummingbirds!
