Did you know that Oregon hosts nearly a quarter of all North American hummingbird species, yet most people can only identify one or two?
While you might catch glimpses of these jewel-toned speedsters zipping through your garden, distinguishing between Oregon’s seven distinct hummingbird species requires knowing exactly what to look for.
Whether you’re spotting your first Anna’s Hummingbird or trying to tell a Rufous from a Black-chinned, this guide will turn you into a confident hummingbird identifier who can recognize each species by sight and behavior.
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbirds (Calypte anna) are Oregon’s only year-round residents, making them the most reliable species you’ll encounter in your backyard.
These remarkable birds brave Pacific Northwest winters when most other hummingbirds have migrated south.
Key Identification Features:
- Males: Brilliant rose-pink gorget (throat) and crown that appears almost metallic in sunlight
- Females: Green backs with white underparts and small red spots on throat
- Size: About 4 inches long, roughly the size of a ping-pong ball
- Weight: Less than a nickel (about 4 grams)
Where and When to Spot Them: You’ll find Anna’s Hummingbirds most commonly along Oregon’s coast and in urban areas throughout the year. They’re particularly active during winter months when other species are absent. According to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, these hardy birds have adapted exceptionally well to city environments and backyard feeders.
Behavior Notes: Anna’s Hummingbirds perform spectacular courtship displays, with males diving from heights of up to 130 feet while producing distinctive sounds through their tail feathers. They’re also known for their aggressive territorial behavior around prime feeding locations.
Pro Tip: Anna’s Hummingbirds are the only Oregon species you’ll see at feeders during December and January, making winter identification straightforward.
2. Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) earned its reputation as Oregon’s most common and widespread species, though they’re only present during migration and breeding seasons. These copper-colored dynamos are legendary for their fierce territorial behavior.
Key Identification Features:
- Males: Brilliant copper-orange back and sides with reddish-orange iridescent throat
- Females: Green backs with rufous flanks and spotted throats (often confused with other species)
- Distinguishing trait: Notched tail feathers
- Temperament: Extremely aggressive, will chase away birds twice their size
Migration Timing: Rufous Hummingbirds arrive in Oregon during early to mid-February and begin breeding immediately. According to Wild Birds Unlimited, most adults leave the lowlands by mid-summer, heading to mountain meadows before their southern migration.
Best Viewing Locations: These birds prefer western Oregon’s diverse habitats, from coastal areas to mountain forests. They’re especially common in areas with abundant wildflowers and established hummingbird feeding stations.
Common Mistake: Many birders confuse female Rufous with female Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Look for the Rufous’s characteristic tail-flicking behavior and more extensive rufous coloring on the flanks.
3. Calliope Hummingbird
North America’s smallest bird, the Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope), graces Oregon during summer months as an occasional migrant. Despite their tiny size, these birds undertake one of the longest migrations relative to body size of any bird in the world.
Key Identification Features:
- Males: Distinctive purple-red streaked gorget (not solid like other species)
- Females: Peachy wash on flanks with spotted throat
- Size: Significantly smaller than other Oregon hummingbirds
- Bill: Shorter and straighter than most species
Seasonal Presence: Calliope Hummingbirds primarily visit Oregon during their spring and fall migrations, with some individuals staying through summer months in suitable mountain habitat. The Birds and Blooms identification guide notes they’re most often spotted in higher elevation areas.
Habitat Preferences: Look for Calliope Hummingbirds in mountain meadows, forest clearings, and areas with abundant wildflowers, particularly at elevations above 3,000 feet.
4. Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri) represent one of Oregon’s rarer species, primarily appearing in southern regions during migration periods. Their subtle coloring makes them challenging to identify, especially females and juveniles.
Key Identification Features:
- Males: Black gorget with thin purple band at bottom edge
- Females: Plain white underparts with minimal throat spotting
- Behavior: Distinctive tail-pumping while feeding
- Range: Most common in southern Oregon
Breeding Habitat: These hummingbirds prefer low-elevation breeding areas and are more commonly found in Oregon’s warmer southern regions. They typically arrive in spring and remain through summer breeding season.
Identification Challenges: Female Black-chinned Hummingbirds are notoriously difficult to distinguish from female Rufous Hummingbirds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends focusing on behavior patterns and subtle plumage differences rather than relying solely on color.
| Species Comparison | Male Gorget Color | Female Throat | Primary Season | Aggression Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anna’s | Rose-pink | Red spots | Year-round | High |
| Rufous | Orange-red | Spotted | Spring-Fall | Very High |
| Calliope | Purple streaks | Spotted | Summer | Moderate |
| Black-chinned | Black with purple | Plain white | Spring-Summer | Moderate |
5. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds (Selasphorus platycercus) represent one of Oregon’s rarest species, occasionally appearing in eastern regions during migration. These Rocky Mountain natives sometimes wander into Oregon’s mountainous eastern counties.
Key Identification Features:
- Males: Rose-red gorget with green plumage and no rufous coloring on back
- Females: Nearly identical to female Rufous Hummingbirds in field conditions
- Size: Larger than most Oregon species
- Wing Sound: Males produce distinctive wing trill during flight
Limited Range: According to the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are primarily Rocky Mountain species that occasionally appear in Oregon’s eastern counties during summer months.
Identification Tips: Male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are easier to identify than females due to their distinctive wing sounds and lack of rufous back coloring. Females require careful observation and are best identified by experienced birders.
6. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbirds (Selasphorus sasin) are extremely rare in Oregon, appearing almost exclusively in western coastal areas. These California natives occasionally stray north during migration periods.
Key Identification Features:
- Males: Orange-red gorget similar to Rufous, but with green back
- Females: Extremely difficult to distinguish from Rufous females
- Range: Very limited to coastal western Oregon
- Status: Vagrant species with infrequent sightings
Viewing Probability: Your chances of spotting an Allen’s Hummingbird in Oregon are minimal. The Bird Watching HQ guide classifies them as vagrant visitors rather than regular residents or migrants.
Best Identification Strategy: Focus on range and timing rather than physical features, as Allen’s Hummingbirds are virtually identical to Rufous Hummingbirds in many respects.
Key Takeaway: Unless you’re birding along Oregon’s immediate coast during migration seasons, any orange-throated hummingbird is almost certainly a Rufous rather than Allen’s.
Creating Hummingbird-Friendly Habitats
Understanding Oregon’s hummingbird species becomes more rewarding when you can attract them to your own space. The Oregon State University Extension Service recommends focusing on native plants that provide nectar throughout different seasons.
Best Native Plants for Oregon Hummingbirds:
- Red-flowering Currant (early spring nectar)
- Salmonberry (spring blooms)
- Oregon Grape (year-round interest)
- Madrone (summer nectar source)
Feeder Maintenance Tips:
- Change nectar every 3-4 days in summer, weekly in winter
- Use 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio (never honey or artificial sweeteners)
- Clean feeders with diluted bleach solution weekly
- Position multiple feeders to reduce territorial disputes
Seasonal Considerations: Anna’s Hummingbirds depend on winter feeders more than any other Oregon species. Keep at least one feeder operational year-round, especially during cold snaps when natural nectar sources disappear.
Advanced Identification Techniques
Size Comparison Method: When multiple species visit the same area, use size relationships for identification. Calliope Hummingbirds appear noticeably smaller than Anna’s or Rufous, while Broad-tailed are slightly larger than average.
Behavioral Cues:
- Tail movement: Rufous constantly flick tails while feeding
- Aggression patterns: Rufous chase away all other species
- Perching preferences: Anna’s often perch on exposed branches
- Flight patterns: Calliope have more erratic flight paths
Seasonal Timing Strategy: Use arrival and departure timing as identification aids:
- January-February: Only Anna’s present
- March-April: Anna’s joined by early Rufous
- May-July: Peak diversity with all species possible
- August-September: Migration period with mixed species
- October-December: Primarily Anna’s again
Sound Identification: Each species produces distinctive vocalizations:
- Anna’s: Sharp “chip” calls and complex songs
- Rufous: Aggressive chattering and wing buzzing
- Calliope: Soft “tink” notes
- Black-chinned: Warbling territorial calls
The key to successful hummingbird identification in Oregon lies in combining multiple identification factors rather than relying on single field marks. By observing size, behavior, seasonal timing, and habitat preferences together, you’ll develop the skills to confidently identify any hummingbird species that visits your Oregon location. Whether you’re maintaining backyard feeders or exploring natural areas, these identification techniques will enhance your appreciation for Oregon’s remarkable hummingbird diversity.
