A Rufous Hummingbird perched on the stem of a plant in front of vibrant pink fireweed. Rufous hummingbirds are among the smallest birds in North America, yet they are some of the most aggressive, often chasing away much larger birds from feeders and flowers. They are famous for their extraordinary migration, traveling thousands of miles each year between Mexico and as far north as Alaska. Their wings beat up to 50 times per second, allowing them to hover, fly backward, and make sharp aerial turns. The males’ bright, coppery-orange feathers can flash intensely in sunlight, making them easy to spot despite their tiny size. Photographer: Sean Neilson