[Birdtalk] Hummingbirds: Black-Chinned and Rufous

[M. H. Wallace]

I have had 4 hummingbird feeders out since early June, with not much 
activity for June and early July.  However, in the past few weeks the 
number of Hummers has increased, and the feeders are now draining rather 
quickly, much more so than in previous years. 

At first it was just the Black-chinned variety.  Then some Rufous showed 
up, roughly in mid-July.  (Pretty sure they are Rufous...)  Now there is 
considerable competition between the two types at the feeders.  
Black-chinned will feed for a few seconds and then the Rufous come 
cruzing in and battle begins.  A couple of days ago, I caught a glimpse 
of one of the Rufous and distinctly saw an iridescent orange throat 
marking in the shape of a chevron.  This marking was well defined, and 
only on the throat.  The sun was shining on the window I was looking out 
of, reflecting on to the bird.  This reflected light made the throat 
marking glow a distinct and bright copper-orange.  I have been trying to 
identify the shape of the second tail feather, looking for slight notch 
of Rufous, to rule in or out the Allens, but so far I've not been able 
to get a good look at that feature.  None of the books or online images 
I have looked at so far show this distinct throat marking on any 
Hummingbird, which is why I'm not 100% sure of it being Rufous.

I was in Costa Rica in late June and had a chance to see some amazing 
Hummingbirds, obviously many varieties there that we'll never see here 
in Northern Utah.  Pretty phenomenal place that Costa Rica, what with 
all the rain and climactic zones plus the flora and fauna.  Quite a 
change from our arid West...

At any rate, happy birding.

Matthew Wallace
East Mill Creek / Salt Lake County