Why do hummingbirds have such brilliant iridescent throat feathers? Only male hummingbirds have the brilliant iridescent throat feathers. These feathers serve two very important functions: attracting a female and defending their territory. They use these to display to one another. Females find it attractive, and other males are repelled. Male hummingbirds are extremely feisty and territorial and these feathers are part of their territorial display.
Hummingbirds For Mom