How to Identify a Female Hummingbird

Sexing hummingbirds in their natural habitat invariably takes acute observation and a dedication to detail. The most obvious sign of a male hummingbird of any species is the bright color of the gorget around the throat and chin. Females not only lack color there, but tend to have less colorful plumage than their male counterparts. This can make it difficult to distinguish between female hummingbirds of different species. If you can't make out the gorget, there are other ways to tell a female bird from a male.

Things You'll Need

  • Binoculars
  • Bird identification book (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the bird's back. Most North American female hummingbirds have green backs that make it easy for them to blend in to their surroundings. One exception is the Allen hummingbird. The females have a rufous or reddish-brown back.

    • 2

      Look at the throat and breast area of the bird. Most North American female hummingbirds have a plain white breast area and throat but there are slight differences that distinguish one from another. A Black-chinned female will have black spots on her chest. A Rufous will have streaks on her throat, while an Allen may have red spots on the chest. Anna's hummingbird females will have some red spots on the throat.

    • 3

      Check the tail feathers if you can only see the birds from behind. Female hummingbirds usually have white tips on those feathers, while most males have no color change there. One exception is the male Blue-throated hummingbird, whose tail feathers have white corners. Female Magnificents are an exception from the white color. They have gray outer tail feathers.