Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

The rufous hummingbird is a small but extraordinary creature, known for its fiery orange plumage and incredible agility. These tiny birds are migratory marvels, traveling thousands of miles each year between their breeding grounds in North America and their winter habitats in Mexico.

At the zoo, the rufous hummingbird is housed in carefully controlled environments with abundant flowering plants and nectar feeders. Their diet includes a mix of sugar water and tiny insects to replicate their natural food sources. Behind the scenes, zookeepers work diligently to ensure these birds have access to fresh flowers and enrichment opportunities, such as misting stations and reflective surfaces that mimic their natural habitats. Educational displays emphasize their role in pollination and their incredible stamina for long-distance flight.