The differences in male, female, and juvenile Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are subtle but if you know what to look for you can identify between the three fairly easily. Keep in mind that from the beginning to the middle of the hummingbird season (mid April to mid July) you won’t be seeing any juvenile birds. After the young leave the nest in July they will be considered an adult bird but with juvenile plumage.
Adult male hummingbirds of course have the ruby throat but it is not always apparently red. In certain lighting or at certain angles it can appear black. Adult and juvenile females have a white throat that is sometimes marked with faint grey or buffy streaking. Juvenile males may also have a white throat like a female, but more often it is streaked to a greater or lesser degree with black or green.
Tails are also a good way to tell birds apart. Adult males have a more forked tail with pointed outer feathers that are solid black. Females and juvenile males have a blunt rounded tail that is mostly black with white tips to the outer feathers.
Both sexes, adult and juvenile can vary slightly in size and weight depending on the time of season however it is not uncommon for birds to almost double their weight in August and September in preparation of the fall migration.
Adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Notice the difference in the male and female tails. The male is forked where the female is blunt with white tipped feathers.
Adult female Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Notice the light spotted throat compared to the male on the right.
This adult female is showing off her more blunt tail with white tipped feathers. The male is more forked and lacks the white.
In some lights the throat of the adult male can appear black.
Juvenile male with his ruby throat beginning to come in.
Visit the Warner Park Nature Center Saturday August 25th for their Hummingbird Celebration.
Click here for more info on the Warner Parks Nature Center's Hummingbird Celebration.
Celebrate Hummingbirds at the Warner Park Nature Center August 25th from 9:30 am to 2 pm.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are migrating South. Celebrate our smallest bird with local nurseries and other groups dedicated to conserving hummingbirds. Nashville Natives, Kona Ice, The Wood Thrush Shop and the Bellevue Branch of the Nashville Public Library will also join us to celebrate. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.