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Two Species: Which is Which?

  • Journey North students look for two kinds of hummingbirds. Kids in some areas see ruby-throated hummers. Kids in other places see rufous hummers. (See map>>)

  • In recent years, more and more observers have reported seeingboth types of birds. Could you tell the species apart?
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  • Look closely at this ruby-throated hummingbird.
  • Write down the colors and shapes you see — and where on the body you see them.
  • Look closely at this rufous hummingbird.
  • Write down the colors and shapes you see — and where on the body you see them.
Photos: Top - Jerry Blinn, AviSys; Bottom - Dean Briggins, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Now tell a partner how these two hummingbirds are the same and how they are different.

See what clues scientists use >>