Bird field guide · Hummingbirds

Photographing the Rufous Hummingbird

How to photograph the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus): the right lens for its size, shutter speeds for perched and moving animals, and when it's most often seen (April, July and August).

7–12 cm1/4000 s+ (or 1/250 s with multi-flash to freeze wings)NT
7–12 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/1000 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/4000 s+ (or 1/250 s with multi-flash to freeze wings)
Shutter: action / flight
f/5.6–f/8
Aperture
19,494
Research-grade sightings in N. America
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/1000 s
Shutter (action)1/4000 s+ (or 1/250 s with multi-flash to freeze wings)
Aperturef/5.6–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionPre-focus on a favourite perch or feeder flower and wait; their wings beat 50–80 times a second.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens400–600 mmFull-frame equivalent

Focal length needed to frame it#

For a subject about 10 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally. Small birds demand long lenses and a close approach — a blind or feeder setup helps.

Distance⅓ of frame (FF)½ of frame (FF)⅓ of frame (APS-C)⅓ of frame (MFT)
5 m (16 ft)556 mm796 mm371 mm278 mm
10 m (33 ft)1,112 mm1,593 mm741 mm556 mm
15 m (49 ft)1,667 mm2,389 mm1,112 mm834 mm
20 m (66 ft)2,223 mm3,186 mm1,482 mm1,112 mm
30 m (98 ft)3,335 mm4,779 mm2,223 mm1,667 mm
50 m (164 ft)5,558 mm7,965 mm3,705 mm2,779 mm

When to find it#

Jan: 3% Jan Feb: 2% Feb Mar: 8% Mar Apr: 15% Apr May: 12% May Jun: 9% Jun Jul: 16% Jul Aug: 19% Aug Sep: 8% Sep Oct: 3% Oct Nov: 3% Nov Dec: 3% Dec
Share of iNaturalist observations by month across North America. Peak months: April, July and August.

About the Rufous Hummingbird#

The rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small hummingbird, about 8 cm (3.1 in) long with a long, straight and slender bill. These birds are known for their extraordinary flight skills, flying 2,000 mi (3,200 km) during their migratory transits. It is one of seven species in the genus Selasphorus.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Field-craft tips#

  • Feeders and nectar flowers create predictable perches.
  • Iridescent gorgets only glow when the bird faces the light — angle yourself toward the sun.
  • A 1.4× teleconverter and minimum focus distance matter more than the longest lens.
  • Pre-focus on a favourite perch or feeder flower and wait; their wings beat 50–80 times a second.
  • Sightings peak in April, July and August, which is when you'll have the most chances.
  • Tiny subjects: get close with a hide or feeder perch rather than cropping heavily.

Ethics#

  • The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
  • Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
  • Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
  • Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.

More Hummingbirds#

Anna's HummingbirdCalypte anna Ruby-throated HummingbirdArchilochus colubris Broad-billed HummingbirdCynanthus latirostris Black-chinned HummingbirdArchilochus alexandri Allen's Hummingbird Allen's HummingbirdSelasphorus sasin Costa's Hummingbird Costa's HummingbirdCalypte costae Broad-tailed HummingbirdSelasphorus platycercus Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Rufous-tailed HummingbirdAmazilia tzacatl

Frequently asked questions#

What lens do I need to photograph a Rufous Hummingbird?

At about 10 cm long, a rufous hummingbird fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 1,112 mm, or at 20 m with 2,223 mm.

What shutter speed should I use for a Rufous Hummingbird?

1/1000 s when it's still; 1/4000 s+ (or 1/250 s with multi-flash to freeze wings) for action.

When is the best time to photograph a Rufous Hummingbird?

Observations in North America peak in April, July and August. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.

Sources & licences#

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources