Date: 7/17/26 8:13 am From: 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds <mbbirds...> Subject: Re: [MBBIRDS] Hummer: Allen's or Rufous ?
Hi Larry,
Hum, something else to research. :)
According Cornell Lab's Birds of the World reference website, the genus
Selasphorus includes NINE species of hummingbirds, of which four, are
normally found in the US during the breeding season; Allen's, Rufous,
Calliope, and Broad-tailed. (Source:
https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/trochi1/cur/species#genusSelasphorus )
Here in Santa Cruz county, as you probably know, the two most common
Selasphorus species are the Allen's, which breeds in county, and the
Rufous, which migrates through to its breeding grounds further north. We
also see a very small number (single digits?), of Calliope Hummingbirds
pass through on migration. Finally, for Broad-tailed, eBird shows no
record of this species in Santa Cruz county.
So in this particular case, I think it is safe to rule out Calliope and
Broad-tailed. Hence the Rufous/Allen's ID.
Does that make sense? But If someone has additional insight, it would be
great to read.
Pete
On 7/17/26 7:46 AM, larry corridon wrote:
> Hi Pete;
>
> When I've seen a hummingbird that I didn't know was Rufus or Allen’s
> I've referred to it as a Selasphorus as you did in your initial post.
> Since then, I've been told that that covers more than just those two
> species. And I noticed that you referred to it as a Rufus/Allen's
> hummingbird. Have I got that right?
>
> larry
>
>> On Jul 17, 2026, at 07:36, 'Pete Sole' via mbbirds
>> <mbbirds...> wrote:
>>
>> 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
>>>
>>
>>
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