tags: Costa's Hummingbird, Calypte costae, birds, mystery bird, bird ID quiz
[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.
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.