The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is known as one of the feistiest hummingbirds in North America. I should know that well because on our recent trip to Colorado, I tried to photograph this tiny bird in flight, but I was hopeless. They moved super fast and seldom allowed me time to capture a good shot. To make matters worse, the feeder position in our bed and breakfast was such that almost all photos were backlit. I tried moving around, but then the birds would disappear. On the other hand, I was able to capture pictures as they rested in a couple of different spots.
As I mentioned previously, they are tiny. They measure 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm) in length, with a wingspan of only 4.3 in (11 cm), and they weigh 0.1-0.2 oz (2-5 g). They can be intimidating and very territorial to other hummingbirds, often chasing them away. According to All About Birds, these hummingbirds make “one of the longest migratory journeys of any bird in the world, as measured by body size.” All About Birds says this:
At just over 3 inches long, its roughly 3,900-mile movement (one-way) from Alaska to Mexico is equivalent to 78,470,000 body lengths. In comparison, the 13-inch-long Arctic Tern’s one-way flight of about 11,185 mi is only 51,430,000 body lengths. (AAB)
As for their wingbeat, it has been recorded at 52–62 wingbeats per second! I’d better try a shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds or longer next time.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Bird of the Week, Colorado, Hummingbird, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
Posted for Birds of the Week Invitation CXXXII.
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Lindy Le Coq
We have Anna’s year round in Vancouver and at the beach. Sometimes a Rufous shows up, but I’ve never been able to get a photo. These are really nice shots!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much. I often do not like to photograph hummingbirds, but when they are resting, I can get shots I like. Thank you.
Anita
Such amazing little beauties, so fascinating! I knew they were small, but the fact that they weigh less than a paper clip is almost unbelievable, especially considering their strength and spirit. They are certainly not easy to photograph, but I think you did an excellent job.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Anita. I appreciate that.
Samiran Mandal
Beautiful Bird
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for writing.
Rupali
An excellent post with information and images.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rupali.
PR
Amazing! I had a very brief glimpse of one a long time ago and that was the one and only time! It was gone in a blink..
Egidio Leitao
It’s wonderful to see them. Thanks for writing.
Amy
Amazing shots! The details, wow!!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Amy.
marina
Stunning capture!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Marina.
Steve Schwartzman
That metal scroll beneath the hummingbird in the middle picture is a good visual counterbalance.
Egidio Leitao
He loved that spot. So, I pre-focused on it to capture that shot.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, I love hummingbirds and these are beauties. My favorite is the one perched on the end of the branch.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback, Beth. That particular shot turned out better because of the warm background.
Toonsarah
What a beautiful little bird that is, and you’ve succeeded in getting some excellent shots!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Sarah. They are so cute when we can see their details, too.
Donna Robinson Photography
Wonderful shots, Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Donna.
philosophy through photography
Incredible Egidio!
Those tiny dynamos pack a huge punch—speed, stamina, and attitude all rolled into a feathered missile. Your patience in capturing their resting moments paid off; sometimes the quiet grace says more than the action shot ever could.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Philo. Dynamo is the right word for them indeed.
philosophy through photography
You are welcome, Egidio.
margaret21
Oh wow! Thanks for persisting to get these glorious images.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Margaret. It was worth sitting on the porch and waiting for the right moment.
margaret21
👍
bushboy
They certainly are beautiful birds Egidio
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Brian.
Khürt Williams
Try 1/2000 second with AUTO ISO.
Egidio Leitao
I tried that but I think I’ll bump it up a notch next time. Thanks.
Khürt Williams
When the light’s good, I usually keep my bird shots at 1/1000 or faster. The Fuji makes it easier with preshot auto exposure and that 20-frames-per-second electronic shutter. Little things like that really do make a difference.
Khürt Williams
Bloody hell! What a beautiful bird.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Khürt.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Stupendo!
Egidio Leitao
Grazie.
Nicole Sara
Gorgeous images! 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Nicole. I’m glad you liked them.
norasphotos4u
So beautiful!!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Nora.
shoreacres
They are hard to photograph! You did well, and in the coming weeks there should be plenty to practice with as they come through Texas. I was lucky enough to find a group migrating through at the Brazoria Wildlife Refuge, and paired their images with a wonderful poem by Pablo Neruda.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Linda. I’m only a backyard birder and don’t spend much time waiting for these beautiful hummers to show up. The feeder is up. Hopefully, I’ll catch a few shots. Thanks for the link. What a beautiful poem and photos!
thechristiantechnerd
❤️
Anne Sandler
Beautiful images Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Anne.
Writing to Freedom
You did great, and the detail is wonderful Egidio. They’re beautiful and very hard to capture with a cellphone! 😊
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Brad. I was using my mirrorless camera and still had a hard time because of the light.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Beautiful photographs of these glorious birds Egídio! 😊
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Xenia. They are wonderful to look at but hard to photograph.
boromax
Fabulous Hummingbird photos!! ~Ed.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Ed. I find them hard to photograph.