Date: 7/17/26 7:36 am From: 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Hummer: Allen's or Rufous ?
Hi birders,
I just realized I never wrote back to the list with the insight provided
by J Morlan and D Mosur on this hummingbird ID. So first, thanks to both
for responding. Much appreciated!
Second, although J Morlan and I think it was likely a Rufous, D Mosur
pointed out some great points that perhaps the broader community will
also value:
* At this young age, the tail view is inconclusive for the ID,
although D Mosur leans towards an Allen's Hummingbird. (It also does
not help that the tail photo is blurry).
* This bird is maybe a bit early for Rufous, but not outside the
documented window for Rufous Hummingbird migration.
* Bottom line, neither species can be conclusively ruled out.
So at the end of the day, I agree with D Mosur. The most appropriate ID
is a Rufous/Allens Hummingbird, rather than to make the ID call.
Fun bird to ponder and learn from,
Pete Solé
Soquel, CA
On 7/13/26 8:25 PM, 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds wrote:
> Hi birders,
>
> This evening I saw a Selasphorus hummingbird on our feeder. At first I
> thought it was an immature Allen's Hummingbird, which likely breed in
> my neighborhood, although I've never been able to confirm. Initially I
> was quite hopeful for a breeding confirmation. But after capturing
> some images early this evening, through a tinted double pane window,
> including a blurry partially spread tail shot, now I'm not so sure.
> Here are 3 very large, cropped, but otherwise purposely unprocessed
> images:
>
> Side photos:
>
> https://www.lighthousenet.com/photos/birds/odd/hummer_260713a.jpg >
> https://www.lighthousenet.com/photos/birds/odd/hummer_260713c.jpg >
> Blurry tail photo of the same previous bird:
>
> https://www.lighthousenet.com/photos/birds/odd/hummer_tail_260713a.jpg >
> If you have insight on whether this bird is a Rufous or Allen's
> hummingbird and are willing to share, I'd be great to read.
>
> Right now, based on the tail shot, I'm leaning towards a
> female/immature type Rufous Hummingbird. Perhaps migrating south after
> the breeding season further north. Seems early but... That beings
> said, in the second shot 13c, we can just make out the hint of an
> orange "eyebrow", which is mentioned for Allen's Hummingbird in my,
> ahem, "vintage" edition (Copyright 2000), large Sibley Guide to Birds
> book.
>
> Your thoughts on the bird species of the above?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Pete Solé
>
> Soquel, CA
>
