[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by John Boyd on 09:15:58 02/12/06
In Reply to: Questions posted by Alex Harper
: How often do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have primaries as long as a Black-chinned? Many say that looking at the wingtips is a certain way to separate the two.
The wingtip shape usually does it, but a few birds have an in-between shape.
There's a lot of overlap in wing length. Ruby-throats rarely have wings that reach the tail-tip, but it does occur (if the wing is much longer, start thinking Calliope, etc.). I don't think the wing-length is particularly useful. In fact, given the overwhelming RT/BC ratio in Miami-Dade (probably greater than 500:1, possibly much greater), this type of soft field mark is useful only to focus attention on the bird.
Wing structure is quite a bit different for RT males than females. The wings are more pointed on males.
Tail-pumping has also been mentioned. Keep in mind that the distinction here is for birds that are hovering while actually feeding. Not hovering or hovering while displaying doesn't count.
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]