Male Rufous hummingbirds are known for their vibrant, iridescent red or orange throat (gorget) and rusty-orange body, while females have a green back, white throat with some spotting, and rufous flanks and tail base. Males are generally smaller and flashier, with the gorget being a key identification feature, while females are slightly larger and more subtly colored.

Male Rufous Hummingbird: [2, 2, 6, 7]
• Throat: Iridescent, bright orange-red gorget that can appear red, orange, or even yellow depending on the light.
• Body: Generally rusty-orange, with green on the crown and back, and a white chest.
• Size: Slightly smaller than the female.

Female Rufous Hummingbird:
• Throat: White with dark spots and often a central patch of orange-red spots.
• Body: Green above with rufous (reddish-brown) flanks and tail base, and a white breast.
• Size: Slightly larger than the male.

Other Distinguishing Features:
• Tail: Both males and females have a pointed tail, but the female's tail has white tips on the outer feathers.
• Behavior: Both males and females are fiercely territorial.
• Flight: Males are known for their distinctive metallic trill during flight displays.