Polly, I agree that the bird you photographed is a Ruby-throated hummingbird, based on “ruby” throat, with black “face” (border to the gorget), and pointed primary tips (not rounded, as in Black-chinned Hummingbird). It is the narrow primaries that give the wings a pointed look. The suggestion of a “deeply forked tail” is actually photographic artifact, caused by the wingtips and the tail adjacent to each other. Nice find.
When the bird flies, it should not give the characteristic rattle caused by the wings of Broad-tailed Hummingbird. If it hangs around, I am sure COBirds birders would appreciate being informed. Nick Komar Fort Collins CO From: Polly Neldner Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 10:09 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [cobirds] Huerfano County: Ruby-throated Hummingbird This evening at about 7:15 we noticed a small, slender, dark male hummingbird, white dot behind the eye...we immediately thought Black-chinned...until it flashed...bright orange! Took several photos (all quite bad because of lighting conditions, but good for identification purposes) Please see at the following link and tell me what you think! Huerfano County Ruby-throated Hummingbird Polly Wren and Paul Neldner La Veta, CO Huerfano County -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
