In the Details

Easy ways to differentiate between male, female and immature hummingbirds

- RACHEL MAIDL

Males and females of many bird species display different traits and behaviors, and this is especially true for hummingbirds.

According to Peter Pyle, staff biologist at The Institute for Bird Populations, the real difference between adult male and female hummingbirds is in the head and neck feathers.

Females do not have full bright gorgets as the males do. Instead, in most species, they sport white throats that are sometimes spotted with dull gray-brown dots, and perhaps a small patch of iridescent feathers, depending on the species. They also tend to have slightly less-vibrant back and wing feathers.

Reason to Shine

Male hummingbirds have showier feathers for one reason: to attract potential mates. "It's all for display purposes," Peter says. He notes that they have an impressive trick to get the females' attention.

"The males can flip their gorget feathers in the sun," he says. "So when a female lands near a male at his courting post, he knows how to flip his throat so it looks like a strobe light that flashes on and off."