In some species there is also a bright-colored area on the forehead and crown. This is called a helmet. It is a good idea to look at the tail. See if it has white or rufous spots. Be sure to look at the bill.
Some species have unusually long bills and some have relatively short bills.
In a few species the bill is bright red. Status and Distribution You should know basic information about your area. In the west several species are possible. A state by state list of the hummingbirds to be expected in various regions of the United States and Canada is on our Migration Page. Rarely, hummingbirds show up in the east in winter.