Surprising numbers of  Selasphorus Hummingbirds have been visiting  New England states these past several years. New England Hummers thought a few photo comparisons between our Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and their western cousins Rufous / Allen's Hummingbirds would be helpful.
All of the following photos were "Digiscoped" in New England by Phil Brown

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New England Hummers

"Click" on any of the photos below for a larger image.

Adult Male Ruby-throated and Hatch year Male Rufous:

 Adult Female Ruby-throated and Hatch year Female Selasphorus:

Female Selasphorus gorgets are quite variable: they may have more  dark lines or spangles than in the photo above, and may have a central cluster of  red-orange to coppery spots. See the examples in Sheri L. Williamson, Hummingbirds of North America,  Houghton Mifflin, 2001, Plates 2 and 19.

The same two Ruby-throats with a Hatch Year Rufous Male & a Hatch Year Selasphorus Female:

Comparison of male and female Selasphorus tails:

For a fuller description of the shape, pattern and color differences between the tails of immature male and immature female Rufous and Allen's Hummingbirds,  see the diagrams in Steve N. G. Howell, Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide,  Princeton University Press, 2003, Figures 8 and 9, pp. 189-192. Generally,  immature males have extensive rufous at the base of R1 which abuts subterminal black, whereas  immature females have reduced rufous at the base of R1 which is often not visible and abuts subterminal green, but Howell's diagrams illustrate the range of variability. In males, R1 and R2 are more pointed than in females.

A few more Rufous / Selasphorus Hummer shots - "Click" on any image below for a larger photo.

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Revised 10/30/03