Ruby-throated Hummingbird Help (1 Viewer)

J

jjw

New member

• Sep 30, 2004

• #1

Hello all,

I'm a novice at birding and at BirdForum. I imagine the bird pictured is a ruby-throated hummingbird, as I believe they are the only ones who regularly visit northern Virginia, USA. I wonder, though, if it is a female or an immature male. It was spotted taking advantage of a honeysuckle vine in mid-September.

Thanks,
Julie

 

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Katy Penland

Well-known member

• Sep 30, 2004

• #2

Hi, Julie!

A warm welcome to you from all of us on staff here at BirdForum!

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with this eastern species of hummer and not lucky enough to get them where I live, but I'm sure someone will be along shortly who can confirm the ID for you.

Nice photos, too!

 

Larry Lade

Moderator

• Sep 30, 2004

• #3

I am not certain if you can tell juvenile male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds apart. But I suppose someone will be along shortly who will be able to let you know.

Welcome to BirdForum!

 

Larry Lade

Moderator

• Sep 30, 2004

• #4

Katy, I see you "beat me to the punch"!

 

erizzo

Well-known member

• Sep 30, 2004

• #5

Welcome julieto BF. I'm with the croud. I cant help you with this.

 

snowyowl

Well-known member

• Sep 30, 2004

• #6

Best guess, an immature female.

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Sep 30, 2004

• #7

Well, I'm going to throw a fly into the ointment and say that the hummer in the second photo is probably a juvie male.

jjw said:

Hello all,

I'm a novice at birding and at BirdForum. I imagine the bird pictured is a ruby-throated hummingbird, as I believe they are the only ones who regularly visit northern Virginia, USA. I wonder, though, if it is a female or an immature male. It was spotted taking advantage of a honeysuckle vine in mid-September.

Thanks,
Julie

Click to expand...

 

D

Dave B Smith

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2004

• #8

And I'm going to agree with KC (always a good bet). The reason I say that is because of the throat. The young males have a better defined area which looks like a "five o'clock shadow" whereas the adult (or juvenile) female may have as much or more spotting here, but not as consistent and well defined as the juvenile male.

I'm doing this from memory, but if you really want to confirm this, check out 'The Peterson Guide to Hummingbirds' written by Sherri Williamson. She's got all the little details you'll need to ID almost any hummingbird that is likely to ever arrive in the US or Canada.

And congrats on the great photos!

 

Last edited: Oct 1, 2004

J

jjw

New member

• Oct 1, 2004

• #9

Thanks, everyone, for your kindly words of welcome and nice comments on my photos! I'll try to lay hands on "The Peterson Guide to Hummingbirds." Sounds like a good bet.

The hummingbird in question was quite entertaining for the one day it was in my backyard. It jealously guarded the honeysuckle from another hummer, who insistently attempted an invasion of the sacred precinct from the far side of the fence. Whenever the interloper got within about 20 feet, the self-designated owner attacked ferociously and drove it away. The owner proved that it was courageous beyond its means by also pouncing on two blue jays that were innocently eating peanuts in the yard and had no evil designs on the honeysuckle whatsover.

Thanks once again,
Julie

 

snowyowl

Well-known member

• Oct 1, 2004

• #10

Dave B Smith said:

And I'm going to agree with KC (always a good bet). The reason I say that is because of the throat. The young males have a better defined area which looks like a "five o'clock shadow" whereas the adult (or juvenile) female may have as much or more spotting here, but not as consistent and well defined as the juvenile male.

I'm doing this from memory, but if you really want to confirm this, check out 'The Peterson Guide to Hummingbirds' written by Sherri Williamson. She's got all the little details you'll need to ID almost any hummingbird that is likely to ever arrive in the US or Canada.

And congrats on the great photos!

Click to expand...

There is a small (very small) heavier spot on the throat. That's why I said juvie female.

 

H

humminbird

Well-known member

• Oct 2, 2004

• #11

Well KC, I'm with Dan on this one, only my id is older female. It is not unusual for older Ruby-throated females to develop a spotted throat and even some color in the gorget. On the other hand, this bird has a lot of white on her tail - far too much IMHO for it to be a juvinile male.

Mark
Bastrop, TX