FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] Re: Hummers

["Palmer-Ball, Brainard (EPPC OOS KNPC)" <Brainard.Palmer-Ball@xxxxxx>]

Following up on David's post ... actually, after following up on
numerous reports of late hummingbirds in KY and southern Indiana, I have
come to realize that many or even most folks don't notice the rufous in
the tail feathers of immature and female Rufous. The fact that rufous
color is only in the bases of the feathers makes the color usually
invisible when at rest and clearly visible only in a spread tail, which
often occurs only in brief flashes during flight movements. Also,
looking from inside the house (where most hummers at feeders are viewed
from), birds are often backlit. What seems to be the most consistently
noticeable mark on these birds is the strong wash of orangish-brown on
the undertail, flanks and especially the sides of the belly. While some
Ruby-throateds show a decent wash of orangish-brown on the flanks, none
come close to approaching the brightness or extent of the reddish-brown
on the lower sides of Rufous.

bpb, Frankfort



-----Original Message-----
From: birdky-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:birdky-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of David Roemer
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2007 10:02 PM
To: bird ky
Subject: [birdky] Hummers

Subject: Hummers
From: David Roemer <dlroemer AT yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2007 19:02:01 -0700 (PDT)

Joanie and I are still hosting at least two
Ruby-throated.  Our typical late-departure for them is
October 12/13.

Regarding separating Rufous from Ruby-throated, look
for rufous in the base of the tail feathers which
would indicate something other than Ruby-throated.

David L. Roemer
Bowling Green, Ky.
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