Hummingbirds Houston Texas (1 Viewer)

[DDolan1075]

I am not sure if these are all pictures of the same bird or even if they are the same species. I believe that the first bird (the first two pictures) was called an Allen's and am not sure if the second bird is an Allen's or a Rufous. Would you please help me by telling what I am looking for to differentiate these two species and these two pictures. Thanks

Edit: I got the pictures mixed up and will post a different picture for the second hummer on the next reply. I believe that they are all the same bird.

 

[Sinaloa]

i think in both of your posts, you're looking at rufous hummers, although Allens are tough to rule out. I'm going on two things that i see: the broad fanned out tail feathers which would be more pin-like in Allens, and the fact that the tail doesn't extend that far past the wing tips on the pearched bird. Someone can probably tell you for sure, but it looks like rufous to me.

 

[Sinaloa]

of course, now i'm looking at the shots of the perched bird again and thinking otherwise. The tail may be longer than it appears. I wonder if there's anything to be said about the bill. Slightly down curved might suggest Allens.

 

[Andy Hurley]

In my very poor experience, 3 weeks in BC Canada, on first sight I would say male Allen's, but some Rufous also have green backs or at least partial. Its definately one or the other. Probably range is the key, and I would wait until someone with more experience shares their wisdom.

Andy

P:S: brilliant photos by the way

 

[KenM]

The lanceolated tail feathers in image 2 might suggest......Allen's.

cheers