Allen's or Rufous Hummingbird? (Bellingham, WA) (1 Viewer)

[bellevuebirdphotographer]

These were taken at Lake Louise Bird Sanctuary in Bellingham, WA back in April. Is this an Allen's or Rufous Hummingbird?

 

[Microtus]

It's a Rufous Hummingbird. There is only record of Allen's Hummingbird for Washington, and that is from 1894.

https://wos.org/documents/WBRC/2021/WBRC-Accepted-Nov2021.pdf

 

[KC Foggin]

I'm going with Rufous as well!

 

[tom baxter]

That’s crazy that there is only one record of Allen’s from Washington… I remember in recent years there was a confirmed record of Allen’s in New Jersey, so I can only imagine they are a lot more likely to occur in Washington than anywhere on the east coast. No doubt a very rare bird for Washington, but surely they are being overlooked.

 

[MiddleRiver]

That’s crazy that there is only one record of Allen’s from Washington… I remember in recent years there was a confirmed record of Allen’s in New Jersey, so I can only imagine they are a lot more likely to occur in Washington than anywhere on the east coast. No doubt a very rare bird for Washington, but surely they are being overlooked.

Is this about Washington State or Washington DC??

 

[Butty]

It says 'WA' - which many on here would expect even those from the far side of the world to understand - let alone think of Western Australia, as Australians would. The 'many' should take note.

 

[MiddleRiver]

It says 'WA' - which many on here would expect even those from the far side of the world to understand - let alone think of Western Australia, as Australians would. The 'many' should take note.

My question posed tongue-in-cheek. Sorry Tom Baxter for picking on you a bit...
The best way to avoid confusion is to say WA State and Washington DC. I suppose you could append USA as well...
Words matter ;-)

Sorry for hijack!

 

[Microtus]

It says 'WA' - which many on here would expect even those from the far side of the world to understand - let alone think of Western Australia, as Australians would. The 'many' should take note.

But there are no hummingbirds in Australia

 

[njlarsen]

Tom brought up an important point. Is there any way to exclude a vagrant Allen's based on the photos? Probably not with this angle if I understand correctly. (don't get me wrong, without strong indication to the opposite I would report this as a Rufous given location).
Niels

 

[connorco]

Tom brought up an important point. Is there any way to exclude a vagrant Allen's based on the photos? Probably not with this angle if I understand correctly. (don't get me wrong, without strong indication to the opposite I would report this as a Rufous given location).
Niels

We can. Allen’s will show green in the areas around the neck and crown visible in the first photo.