The RUFOUS is as great a traveler in the west as the Rubythroat in the east. They are even more enthusiastic gymnasts and often vary the semicircular swing by perpendicular rocket-rushes, ascending almost out of sight before starting down. Their speed is so great that their bodies produce a clearly audible high-pitched sound in cleaving the air. Like many other members of the family, the carefree, happy-go-lucky males delegate all family cares to the females and even refuse to help build the home.
Western North America, north to latitude 61 in Alaska. East to Alberta, Montana, Colorado and New Mexico.