[cobirds] Re: ID Challenge: Greeley Hummer

Hi all

Here is a more definitive explanation for Black-chinned Hummingbird:

"Here in Phoenix, we get Anna's, Costa's, and Black-chinned as our expected and common hummingbirds, so separation of the three is something we deal with every day. I can tell you with certainty it's not the two former species.

As I said in my original post, Anna's Hummingbird always has a tail that clearly projects well beyond the primaries when perched. Not most of the time, but always. Your bird clearly does not- the tail appears to end right around the wingtip, so Anna's is simply off the table.

Your bird is pretty clearly an adult male- the gorget is full and well defined, so its shape should be textbook to whatever species it is. Costa's has a very distinct gorget shape, with very long sides that extend well below the neck. Instead, as we can clearly see, especially from the last photo, the gorget makes a neat rectangle in the chin area, indicative of Black-chinned. Of course, it's difficult to see if the gorget extends to the face/top of head, but I don't need to see it to know it's not there, because we already ruled out Anna's.

There are structural differences between all three, however they are actually a lot more subtle than you might think. I see all three species all the time, but in the field I cannot confidently call a female hummer based on size or bulkiness alone. And one certainly cannot do so in the face of other conflicting field marks.

Ruby-throated, although rare, was also a bird I considered in my original post, although I didn't mention it. However, once again tail projection is a major indicator- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds also have a tail that projects beyond the primaries, and is just about the best way to confirm vagrant Black-chinned and Ruby-throated. It's also sex-dependent- while differences in females can be tricky and subtle, male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have longer tails that, much like Anna's, will always project strongly past the wingtips. 

Finally, it's probably good to address the 'pointy wingtips'. Actually, if you look carefully, what appears to be two pointy wingtips is actually the forked tail of the hummingbird. The wingtips are hidden under the tail, something that is pretty clear if you follow the curve of the wing to where the tip would be in any of the images. "

So, there we have it ... Black-chinned Hummingbird. Thanks for playing :-)

Gary Lefko, Nunn

http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org

On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 8:59:45 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:

Hi all

Just received comment to add to discussion:

• "Actually, Costa's might be the best fit shape-wise and tail/wing length fits too. I'm unable to see 'strongly-curved wingtips.'"

Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn

http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/

On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 8:11:48 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:

Hi all

Other responses so far most leaning toward Black-chinned:

• "Not the greatest photo, but messing with filters and light adjustments, I think it's an Archilochus type, and given the apparently pointy rater than clubby shape of the primaries, I'd call it a Ruby-throated rather than Black-chinned. The latter may be more likely these days!"
• "It's a Black-chinned. The fact that the tail does not strongly project beyond the wingtips rules out Broad-tailed, Rufous, and a vagrant Anna's. Size is hard to judge in the field, and the gorget is the wrong shape for Calliope. You can also see the strongly curved wingtips pretty clearly, another field mark indicative of Black-chinned
• "Black-chinned. I had a bit of an advantage; I have had them nesting in my yard for the last 4 years. They've been spreading all over the front range for at least 5 years now.  Lots of breeding too."

Thanks, Gary Lefko, Nunn

http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/

On Monday, June 22, 2020 at 10:36:34 AM UTC-6, The "Nunn Guy" wrote:

Hi all

I was able to photo a hummer (backlit but lightened up photos a bit) in Greeley at Josephine B Jones Park and Open Space Sunday. ID?

Three photos here:

• http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3442
• http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3443
• http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/albums/photos/view/148/3444

Thanks Gary Lefko, Nunn

http://www.friendsofthepawneegrassland.org/

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