Archilochus sp. ID

[Scott E. Severs]

Any thoughts on the ID of this juvenile?

Thank you,

Scott Severs

Boulder County 

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Scott E Severs Longmont ScottE...@gmail.com (Note the "E" in the address above) Sent from Gmail Mobile

[Caleb A]

Hi Scott!

I'm not very good with hummers, but this looks like a Broad-tailed youngster to me. Definitely curious to hear what CObirds has to say on this one, though!

The birds are happy, and so am I

~Caleb Alons, Larimer County

[David Tønnessen]

Hey guys:

Caleb, the lack of any rufous in the rectrices points away from a Selasphorus ID.

Scott, while this is certainly a bird I would've liked to see better photos of because of what appears to be a relatively short, straight bill for an Archilochus, this feature doesn't seem out-of-range for a Black-chinned Hummingbird, having personally observed some variation in BCHU bill structure. The primary feathers from what I can see also look classically BCHU to my eye; broad and curved, like a paddle as I like to think. Some may point to how grayish the crown appears here which is typically a useful mark for separating adult Black-chinned and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, but not so among young birds as juvenile RTHU will also sport extensive crown feathers lacking the green iridescence found in adults. Ultimately, I think it's a Black-chinned but would feel safest leaving it at the "Archilochus" genus level.

Keep birding while following COVID recommendations and maintaining other aspects of your health!

Best,

David Tonnessen

Colorado Springs

[Nicholas Komar]

Scott and Caleb, I believe this is juv female Black-chinned. Completely green central tail feathers rules out Calliope, which should have blackish tips.  Crown is grayish (Ruby-throat would be greener). It looks like it is pumping its tail up and down, a behavioral trait of Black-chinned but not Ruby-throated). Bill is short due to young age. Broad-tailed would have more buff on flanks and rufous base of outer rectrices (tail feathers).

Nick Komar

Fort Collins CO

On Aug 13, 2020, at 8:19 PM, Caleb A <caleb...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Scott!

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[Caleb A]

Thank you David and Nick! Really great to learn from the experts 👍

The birds are happy, and so am I

~Caleb Alons, Larimer County