Mystery Bird: Costa's Hummingbird, Calypte costae

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[Mystery bird] Costa's Hummingbird, Calypte costae, photographed in Arizona. [I will identify this bird for you tomorrow]

Image: Richard Ditch, 15 May 2008 [larger view].

Date Time Original: 2008:05:15 07:47:40
Exposure Time: 1/30
F-Number: 8.00
ISO: 320

Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.

Review all mystery birds to date.

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Last week the Guardian ran an amusing story of photo-fakery by enthusiastic Spanish tourism board employees:
tags: Costa's Hummingbird, Calypte costae,
tags: Costa's Hummingbird, Calypte costae, bir
Yet another new eruption for 2010! Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica in an undated photo.

This is a female Costa's hummingbird - but I cheated - I found Mr. Ditch's photo on flickr.

Female Archilochus alexandri (Black-chinned hummingbird). Green back, black patterning at chin, dark wing edges. Range supports the Arizona find. Whoo, field guides! It might be Stellula calliope or Selasphorus platycercus, though -- but its sides look too pale.

As a side note, I'm a first time poster to your blog ... I'm interested in birds and trying to learn more. Have got to admit, though, the talk about 'rufous' in the description means I need to do some more research ... I have no idea what that is!

The two-toned bill and the bright green upper rump patch lead me to Broad-billed Hummingbird.

By Larry Gardella (not verified) on 23 Feb 2009 #permalink