Allen's or Rufous Hummingbird? (1 Viewer)

[howiewu]

Hi, I took this picture on September 20, 2024 in Houston, TX, US.

This was a confirmed Allen's Hummingbird at this location. At that time, a few experienced birders agreed that this was an Allen's.

However, upon examining the pictures more closely, I actually leaned toward a Rufous, for its R2 tail feature seems to have a "notch" to me (I refer you to this excellent article: Rufous vs. Allen’s), therefore I marked it as "Rufous".

But I am not 100% convinced either way. What do you think?

Thanks in advance,
Howard

 

[njlarsen]

I am leaning Allen's due to the narrowness of the outer tail feathers and the very minute if any notch on the R2 en the left side of the bird (right side of the image). I think the plant it is sitting on is hiding that two feathers overlap at the other side.
Niels