[TN-Bird] unusual hummingbird
- From: "David Patterson" <dpatterson9328@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2012 15:34:11 -0400
August 12, 2012
There were at least 2, probably 3 or more, unusual hummers in the yard today.
They had mostly yellow backs, no rufous, but otherwise resembled immature
Rufous Hummingbirds better than any other US species. The yellow was not as
bright as male Goldfinch, but distinctly yellow, with some darker spots that
could have been green or black. At least some had white half-circle eye rings
behind the eyes. The tails appeared to have white tips on the outer 2-3
feathers. Breasts and bellies dull white.
They were feeding and perching mostly in a large pear tree, came near the
hummingbird feeder but did not feed. They frequently scratched necks and other
front areas vigorously, like a dog; I had no idea hummers had legs long enough
for that. They tended to chase away the female and/or immature Ruby Throats in
the area. They appeared slightly larger than the Rubys. The time was about
8:15 to 9:30 or later.
Does anyone know of yellow-backed hummers?
David Patterson
Houston Lane
Ooltewah, Chattanooga area,
Hamilton County
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