Ruby-throated Hummingbird vs Willow Flycatcher

In short

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small, iridescent bird with a distinctive ruby-red throat in males, while the Willow Flycatcher is a larger, drab bird with a more subdued plumage. These species differ significantly in size, habitat, and behavior, making them easy to distinguish in the field.

Identification tips

• Size: Note the much smaller size of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
• Plumage: Look for the iridescent green and ruby-red throat of the male hummingbird.
• Behavior: Observe feeding behavior; hummingbirds hover at flowers, flycatchers perch and sally for insects.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; hummingbirds are often in gardens, flycatchers near water.
• Vocalization: Listen for the Willow Flycatcher's 'fitz-bew' song, absent in hummingbirds.

Size

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is much smaller than the Willow Flycatcher, with a more compact body and shorter wings.

Plumage

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have iridescent green upperparts and a brilliant ruby-red throat in males, while females and immatures have a white throat. Willow Flycatchers have olive-gray upperparts and a pale, unstreaked belly, lacking any iridescent colors.

Behaviour

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds hover while feeding on nectar from flowers, whereas Willow Flycatchers are primarily aerial insectivores, often seen sallying from perches to catch insects.

Habitat

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are found in gardens and woodlands, often near flowers. Willow Flycatchers prefer riparian habitats, such as river corridors and wet thickets.

Voice

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds produce a series of rapid, high-pitched chips, while Willow Flycatchers have a distinctive 'fitz-bew' song.