Hummingbirds by sight and sound — free guided walk with Denver Audubon
Free guided outing focused on identifying hummingbirds by sight and their distinctive wing sounds. Learn to distinguish Colorado's hummingbird species in the field. Jul 18, 7:15–10:30 AM MDT.
Why we picked this
Male hummingbirds produce distinctive wing sounds through modified primary feathers — broad-tailed males make a loud trill audible from 30 feet away, while rufous males produce a subtler buzz. This walk teaches participants to identify species before they even see them.
Hummingbirds are among the few birds where sound extends beyond vocalizations — male broad-tailed hummingbirds produce a distinctive, cricket-like trill with their modified outer primary feathers, audible well before the bird comes into view. Denver Audubon’s “Hummingbirds by Sight and Sound” walk teaches participants to use both cues to identify Colorado’s hummingbird species in the field.
July is peak hummingbird season along the Front Range. Broad-tailed hummingbirds breed in the area, while rufous hummingbirds begin southbound migration in mid-July, and calliope hummingbirds pass through as well. The outing covers identification techniques for all three species, including the subtle differences in coloration, size, and behavior that distinguish them at feeders and in flight.
The walk runs 3 hours and 15 minutes. Free to attend, with a $5 suggested donation supporting Denver Audubon’s programs. Register for the specific meeting point. Binoculars are helpful but not required — many hummingbird encounters happen at close range.