How to Know if a Hummingbird Is a Boy or a Girl

There are several clues to help you determine the gender difference between the most common type of hummingbird.

Watching a ruby-throated hummingbird approach a feeder is exciting. By far the most common of its species, the ruby-throated hummingbird flaps its wings in a blur and seems to hover midair in a way that reminds one more of bees than birds. But if you are curious whether that bird you've attracted is a male or a female, there are a few ways to find out.

Instructions

Difference in Behavior

1. 

   Male ruby-throated hummingbirds are much more aggressive than their female counterparts.

   Aggressive behavior is more likely male. Hummingbird.net explains, that while both genders of ruby-throats are curious around feeders, males are especially more likely to display territorial behavior to rival other birds, insects, bees and butterflies. Male hummingbirds will even attack a female hummingbird that comes into the area if the two have not mated, according to the World of Hummingbirds.

2. 

   Female ruby-throated hummingbirds are unique in their ability to build nests.

   Watch for nest building, as only females construct the walnut-sized nests. The bird will build the nest attached to a tree limb with spider silk and lined on the inside with soft dandelion, cattail or thistle down, according to hummingbirds.net.

3. Only female ruby-throated hummingbirds will stay with their nest. Usually less territorial, the females will chase off the males from a nest they've built, according to to the World of Hummingbirds.

4. 

   While both genders have a emerald green back, only the male ruby-throated hummingbird has a red throat.

   Compare their plumage. One of the most obvious difference between adult male and female ruby-throated hummingbirds is their appearance. Hummingbirds.net explains that while both males and females have an emerald green back, the male has a ruby red throat, while the female has a white breast and throat. Generally, males of all species of hummingbird will be more brightly colored than the female.

5. 

   The female red-throated hummingbird is slightly larger than the male and has a longer beak.

   Compare their size. Unlike some animals, the female ruby-throated hummingbird is the larger of the two, according to Hummingbirds.net. The female also has a longer bill.

References

• HummingBirds.net: "Red-throated Hummingbird"
• World of Hummingbirds: "Hummingbird Behavior"