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Broad-tailed or Bumblebee Hummingbird Mexico (1 Viewer)

49bentley

Well-known member
Canada
Can someone please identify this hummingbird? I think it maybe a Broad-tailed or Bumblebee Hummingbird. Taken near San Mateo Rio Hondo lodge Mexico in Jan.
Thanks
Chris
 

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I'm not sure where in Mexico this location is, but the gorget color (more orange than red/purple) and strong rufous wash to flanks suggest either Rufous or Allen's as the likely candidate.

Chris
 
I can't see any sign of rufous feathers in the rump, and the feeding posture and Bill length don't look right for Bumblebee. I would think Broad-tailed is a reasonable call.
 
Thanks Chris, but Rufous and Allen's have rufous on the tail. These do not.
Well, these images are a bit blurry, but it looks like there is rufous evident in the two images where the tail is slightly spread (at least rectrices 4 and 5). Also, neither Bumblebee nor Broad-tailed have orange colored gorget feathers. Broad-tailed typically has paler feathering around the eye and less intense rufous along the flanks.

Chris
 

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Well, these images are a bit blurry, but it looks like there is rufous evident in the two images where the tail is slightly spread (at least rectrices 4 and 5). Also, neither Bumblebee nor Broad-tailed have orange colored gorget feathers. Broad-tailed typically has paler feathering around the eye and less intense rufous along the flanks.

Chris
Rufous in the outer tail feathers is right for Broad-tailed, isn't it? As far as I can see there are no rufous feathers in the rump or upper tail coverts. Good possibility I'm wrong here: I'm hopeless with hummers.
 
Thanks DMW and Niels. is that immature male Broad-tailed?
I was trying to go that route as a way to help with the id. I have the Howell and Webb book which shows immature male Rufous with an almost completely rufous tail. However, if that is relevant depends on two things: is this supported by other data? and are we even looking at an immature male? Could we be looking at a female with some gorget feathers as sometimes is seen in some hummers?
Niels
 
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