Steve: I've held off reporting the hummingbird as a Rufous. On e-bird, one
can report it as a Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird. However to find that option,
you need to look it up under the "add species" tool. Ed Eder shared some great
photos with me. In his photos, the R5 tail feather (the outer one) looks
narrow enough to give me pause. Also there is virtually no pinching in the R2
feather (second from the centermost feathers).
I was able to consult a couple of experts on these hummingbirds (Bob Sargent
and Bruce Peterjohn). I sent them Ed's photos. Here is their take... Bob
Sargent: "I think the bird is a female selasphorus. I cannot tell you the
species despite the great photos from Mr. Eder. R-5 looks rather narrow, but
in my opinion it will need to be an in-hand ID by a competent bander. Odds are
it is a Rufous female and an immature bird. I will await Mr. Peterjohn's call
in the hand. That is always the best bet on these Rufous/Allen's decisions."
From Bruce Peterjohn: "Many thanks for sending the photos of the hummingbirdMr. Peterjohn was planning to contact the Park staff to see if it made sense
in Alexandria. I agree with Bob's assessment that the bird is a female
Rufous/Allen's hummingbird and a definitive identification will require some
measurements taken in the hand. I would hesitate to make a guess on the
identification based solely on these photos."
From: sherseydc@xxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:52:26 -0500
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [Va-bird] Question regarding Rufous Hummingbird in Fairfax
I saw on eBird that an eBird reviewer is approving the hummer at Green
Springs Garden as a Rufous Hummingbird. I don't recall seeing any posts
saying anything about a positive ID.
For my own rare hummingbird education purposes, may I ask what the basis for
"the call" was?
Many thanks,
Steve Hersey
Alexandria, VA
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