Date: 4/18/25 9:10 pm From: Zac Denning via groups.io <zdenning1...> Subject: Re: [EBB-Sightings] Allen's or a Rufous
Hi Claude,
The reviewers could give a more authoritative answer, but here’s how I
understand it:
Allen’s vs Rufous Hummingbird is one of the toughest species pairs in our
area (or the US for that matter) to differentiate. Unfortunately, the white
tail spots aren’t useful at all. Welcome to the confusing world of
Selasphorus hummingbird ID!
In most cases, a female like this bird is best left as an Allen’s/Rufous
Hummingbird (aka a ‘slash’) along the near-coastal areas of California, and
at times of year (like now), when either could be present.
If you see a male with an all orange back - that’s easy: you know it’s a
Rufous.
The differences in the tail feather shapes of females are much more subtle,
so you’d need a super clear tail shot and perhaps some expert input - if an
ID is even possible (See image:
https://images.app.goo.gl/wD2UwtepPDPigV6t6). In Fall, juveniles should be
almost always left as slashes.
In June in our area (at least the first 3 weeks), I think it’s relatively
safe to assume that this type of Selasphorus sp hummer is Allen’s (when
Rufous are presumably breeding from very northernmost California through
Alaska). But outside of that, most birders are using a lot of slashes.
Corrections welcome if I misrepresented any details, but that’s my
understanding at least. I’m sure you had hoped this would be easier!
I hope this helps at least a little …
Zac Denning
Albany
On Fri, Apr 18, 2025 at 8:18 PM Claude Lyneis via groups.io <cmlyneis=
<gmail.com...> wrote:
> I was out at Meeker Slough next to some Pride of Madeira blossoms which
> attract Hummingbirds at this time of the year. Most are Anna’s, but there
> was at least one that was definitely not an Anna’s. It was not completely
> cooperative with my camera, but two of the shots together show the bird
> quite well. In the photo attached the right shot shows some white tips of
> on some of its tail feathers, so I am guessing it is a Rufous. Thoughts?
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> [image: 54461506610_965826e446_z.jpg]
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> Claude Lyneis <https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P> > flic.kr <https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P> > <https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P> >
>
> Claude Lyneis
> <cmlyneis...>
> https://www.youtube.com/bhsvideodad > Flickr Photos at https://flic.kr/ps/36it5P >
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