Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Overview

The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is found along the Gulf Coast of Texas and northeastern Mexico, extending into the Yucatan Peninsula and parts of Central America, where it inhabits woodland edges, thorn scrub, and brushy gardens. It is one of the few hummingbirds regularly present in the U.S. during winter months.

Its plumage combines a green throat and back with a warm, buffy-cinnamon wash across the belly and a notably rufous tail, a color combination that helps separate it from other Amazilia-type hummingbirds sharing similar red-based bills.

Feather ID Notes

Throat and upper breast feathers show iridescent green, while the lower belly carries a buffy to cinnamon wash rather than gray or white. The tail is a key feature - rufous overall, contrasting with the green back and standing out clearly in flight.

• Throat feathers: iridescent green, not sharply demarcated
• Belly feathers: buffy-cinnamon, warmer than most similar species
• Tail feathers: rufous, contrasting with green back
• Bill: red with a dark tip The rufous tail combined with a buffy belly separates this species from Buff-bellied's close relatives, most of which show grayer underparts or duller tails.

Plumage Details

Sexes are similar in the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, both showing the green throat, buffy belly, and rufous tail, though females can be marginally duller. Juveniles resemble adults but with less saturated color and some pale feather edging early in life. No distinct seasonal plumage is present, with plumage refreshed by an annual molt.

Habitat & Range

This species inhabits woodland edges, thorn scrub, and brushy gardens along the Gulf Coast of Texas and coastal northeastern Mexico, ranging south through the Yucatan Peninsula and into parts of Central America. Many populations are resident, and it is one of the few hummingbirds that regularly overwinters within the southern United States.

Behavior & Field Notes

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds feed on nectar from a range of native and garden flowers and readily use hummingbird feeders, along with taking small insects for protein. Nests are small cups built in shrubs or low trees, often near woodland edges. Calls include sharp, dry chip notes, and the species can be territorial around productive nectar sources.