Male or Female? Look for Clues
Most people can't distinguish female ruby-throated hummingbirds from juvenile males and females. They all look alike! However, as the plumage of the young males matures in the fall, some begin to show tell-tale signs. Look carefully at the throat of each bird below. (Click to see full-sized image.) Some have the first few feathers of their ruby throats. Others show the "5 o'clock shadow" caused by darker throat feathers. Males will molt fully during the winter and return next spring in full breeding plumage.
