Are female hummingbirds colorful? Learn everything you need to know to successfully observe these beautiful birds.
Did you know that there are at least 300 different species of hummingbirds around the Americas in places such as the United States, the Caribbean, Ecuador as well as Canada? They all have their own characteristics and differ in appearances, overall size, breeding roles, and behaviors.
Like many other creatures around the world, hummingbirds are sexually dimorphic, meaning that there are clear differences between males and females of each species individually. Stay with us and find out the answer to the burning question – are female hummingbirds colorful?
Are Female Hummingbirds Colorful?
You wouldn’t believe it, but female hummingbirds have taken it into their own hands to avoid harassment. Namely, researchers of these beautiful little creatures have discovered that more than a quarter of females have the same brightly colored ornament as males. This tiny ornament helps them avoid aggressive male behaviors during feedings, such as pecking and body slamming.
The answer to the question “are female hummingbirds colorful” is – females are significantly duller or less vibrant in color compared to males. This allows them to camouflage in their surroundings to be less visible to predators.
Keep reading and learn more about how to distinguish a male from a female.
How To Identify Hummingbird’s Gender?
Visual identification is the easiest way to distinguish between males and females. These are the basic steps to differentiate them.
Step No. 1 Hummingbird Colors
In terms of visual appearance, males and females are most easily distinguished by their plumage or collective layers and composition of displayed feathers. As mentioned, female hummingbirds are duller or less vibrant in color.
Back: Females don’t feature any vibrant patches of color on their backs and are therefore much dingier looking in presentation.
Throat: Unlike males who stand out with bright colors of this part of the body, females have modest white throats.
Tail: Female hummingbirds have simple and dignified feathers on their tails. In addition, it is easy to distinguish them from males by white spots on their tail tips.
Finally, we must point out one important part to you. Namely, did you know that juveniles, both male and females share the same coloring as adult females? This feature allows them to protect themselves as they mature before fighting predators and competitors. In this first period of their lives, even experienced observers can hardly clarify who belongs to which gender.
Step No. 2 Hummingbird’s Size
The second step is much harder than the first, especially when they are in flight.
In general, female hummingbirds are on average 15% to 25% larger than their male counterparts. Wondering why? This is primarily because they play an important role, in carrying the egg and keeping it warm.
The extra body weight is needed to create more body heat and then to share food with your juveniles.
Step No. 3 Listening To Sounds
Males conquer females by their singing. In doing so, they try to gain attention as part of their attempt to find a partner. Besides, they wave their wings as fast as they can. In this way, a characteristic, loud humming sound is created, which is why they are called hummingbirds.
Females also flap their wings creating sound, but not to the extent that males do. In addition, they produce sharp chirps, trills, and raspy calls especially when they feel threatened. Since they don’t have to impress males, female hummingbirds create unique sounds of their own only when protecting their food source and offspring.
Step No. 4 Behavior
Observing their behavioral patterns makes it much easier to understand and identify their gender.
Mothers are especially protective and will chase other animals of prey twice as large as they are such as cats, larger birds, and even humans in order to protect their young. Did you know that all female hummingbirds are single mothers? It is therefore no wonder that the answer to the question “are female hummingbirds colorful” is negative. Namely, the male hummingbird leaves almost as quickly as he arrives, so mothers and children are left to fend for themselves and must camouflage themselves for defense against the enemy.
In Conclusion
Identifying the hummingbird gender is fairly simple, all you need to do is pay attention to their physical characteristics. One of the basic steps you can take is to check out their color and size. These are the most obvious clues.
For all those wondering “are female hummingbirds colorful” we will answer as follows. If you see a hummingbird showing off its bright red gorget, it’s definitely a male. Namely, female hummingbirds are duller or less vibrant in color.
We hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below.
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