What kind of hummingbird is this? (1 Viewer)

[pken1997]

Shot this yesterday in Sierra Madre, CA. Since I'm not a bird watcher, I have no idea what species this is. I was told you all could solve the mystery right quick.

 

[KenM]

I'm thinking Anna's for image 1 (apparant short straight bill, the general cosmetic with green spotting on the belly).

Allen's for image 2, showing orange rump/eye-brow and ear coverts, with slightly curved bill and shortish wings.


cheers

 

[pken1997]

someone else said that this was a female Rufous one. I thought I was tracking the same, solitary bird. But you've pointed out some obvious differences. Hmmm...

 

[KenM]

someone else said that this was a female Rufous one. I thought I was tracking the same, solitary bird. But you've pointed out some obvious differences. Hmmm...

It could be either (Rufous/Allen's) as the plumage can be very similar and variable with sub adults.

I was more influenced (rightly or wrongly?) by the 'apparant' bill curvature, allowing it to take structural precedence over the cosmetic.

cheers

 

[guy_incognito]

Female and immature hummingbirds can always be hard...

You definitely have two different birds. I feel pretty comfortable calling the first an Anna's. The second is harder, and I can't differentiate between an Allen's or Rufous (both are possible at your location this time of year).

 

[hojpoj]

It could be either (Rufous/Allen's) as the plumage can be very similar and variable with sub adults.

I was more influenced (rightly or wrongly?) by the 'apparant' bill curvature, allowing it to take structural precedence over the cosmetic.

cheers

PKen, you definitely have two different species here. I vote for juvenile Anna's for image 1. I still can't decide between Allen's and Rufous for the second pic. I might lean more toward Allen's since they are more common in SoCal.

(XT)

PS. Welcome to Birdforum!!!