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How Can I Tell a Male Hummingbird?

While there are approximately 16 species of hummingbirds in the United States, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common east of the Mississippi. However, no matter the species, there are a few easy ways to distinguish males from females. If you set up a hummingbird feeder in your yard and have a pair of binoculars, you can ensure the easiest viewing situation since these tiny birds are fast and glimpses of them can be fleeting.

Things You'll Need

Binoculars
Hummingbird feeder

Instructions

Instructions
- 1
  Check the body plumage of the hummingbird. Male hummingbirds are more colorful than females, and a male hummingbird will have a brightly colored throat. Female hummingbirds have plain, white throats. In general, males are more brightly colored than females because they use their plumage to attempt to attract the females.
- 2
  Examine the size of the hummingbird. Size comparison is easiest when multiple hummingbirds are near one another. Male hummingbirds are smaller than females, since females need to be larger to hold eggs and shelter the eggs once they are laid.
- 3
  Closely look at the tail. The majority of male adult hummingbirds have a solid colored tail, while females will often have tails with white tips.
- 4
  Observe the possible mating rituals. Male hummingbirds will hover and circle around females in order to attract them with their "dance." If you are still unsure about whether a bird is male, this behavior can provide the key to determining its sex.

Animals & Science