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Female Ruby Throated (I think) at backyard feeder... Queens NY (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter AsterixnObelix
- Start date
Ruby-throated Hummingbird is by far the most common Hummingbird in the East, but oddball hummingbirds do show up, and typically at hummingbird feeders. Just this month in Massachusetts, for example, we have had confirmed reports of a Calliope Hummingbird as well as a Broad-billed Hummingbird.
Best,
Jim
Best,
Jim
humminbird
Well-known member
Definitely Ruby-throated and not just because that is the most likely hummingbird there. Notice the overall green gold coloration, the green head, the thick, short straight bill, the long tail. All typical Ruby-throated traits.
Wish I could see more of that tail. At this distance it is hard to say for certain female or juvenile. Does not seem to have juvenile coloration to the back though so female would probably be the default.
Wish I could see more of that tail. At this distance it is hard to say for certain female or juvenile. Does not seem to have juvenile coloration to the back though so female would probably be the default.
humminbird
Well-known member
Broad-billed is in MA right now. Seems to me Ruby-throated are still there. Similarly, I know of Rufous all across the South-east right now, but Ruby-throated are still there.
Yes, I am seeing lots of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds now. The Calliope was seen in Massachusetts several weeks ago. More sightings of Western hummingbirds might be part of a new trend in the East.
Best,
Jim
birderbf
Wild, Wild West ................... ern Spindalis
Reports of other hummers tend to spike after the RTHU have left. There is only 1 records of Ruby-throated between December and March in NY, while most Selasphorus appear in that period.
Yes, I understand there are western hummers that show up in summer too, but noticeably less so in the Northeast.
AsterixnObelix
Well-known member
Thanks everyone. I have been tracking hummingbird sightings in my backyard since I first noted one and this would make it 4 years in a row that I have seen a hummer visiting. I have read that hummingbirds are very good at remembering food sources and so I am wondering what are the chances that I could have repeat visits by the same bird?
humminbird
Well-known member
Almost guaranteed. Banding studies show that these birds return to the same general area year after year after year.
AsterixnObelix
Well-known member
Thank you for the information. Hopefully, I could attract more of them.
