Rufous Hummingbird- Selasphorus rufus- L=3 inches- The rufous hummingbird is tiny, weighing in at a little more than a penny, with the females being slightly larger than the males. Because of their small size, they are vulnerable to insect-eating birds and animals. These birds require frequent feeding while active during the day and become almost dormant at night to conserve energy. The males have an iridescent copper-colored throat patch, a rusty-brown head, body, and tail, a white chest and belly, and dark wings. This is the western hummingbird most likely to stray into eastern North America. Provided sufficient food and shelter is available, they are surprisingly hardy, able to tolerate temperatures down to at least -20°C.
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