One of my favorite things about the trip was getting to know hummingbirds -- I can actually tell them apart -- these tiny creatures are fascinating and sooooo beautiful. I got to see quite the Shimmer of Hummingbirds - about 140 different birds 13 species -- I was able to get photos of 10 of them. I'm going to limit this post to just a few of each species -- but more photos are sprinkled throughout the rest of the SE Arizona Blog Posts. If you are just interested in Hummingbird -- this post is for you.
Anna's Hummingbird - One of the eponymous birds that is in line for a name change -- Named for the 19th century Italian duchess Anna Massena, the Anna's Hummingbird is one of only three hummingbird species that are permanent residents of the United States and Canada. (The others are the Allen's and Costa's.) -- American Bird Conservency
Black-chinned Hummingbird - one of those birds not named for it's most beautiful feather -- the purple collar
Broad-billed Hummingbird -- not only it the bill broad, but it's a gorgeous orange. This is a common bird in South East Arizona, but it is also breathtaking!
Broad-tailed Hummingbird - Besides the standard Hummingbird nectar/sugar water Broad-tailed Hummingbird also eat spiders & insects.
Blue-throated Mountain Gem - Largest of the hummingbird species that nest in the United States, the Blue-throated Mountain-gem is an assertive presence at feeders and flower patches. - All About Birds This rarity popped up on Mt. Lemmon just after two local birders (who were looking for it) had left for the day. This is the only species that I saw that bullied the Rivoli's -- the resident Bully
Calliope Hummingbird - It's the smallest bird in the United States. It weighs about one-third as much as the smallest North American warblers and about the same as a ping pong ball. This tiny hummingbird is the smallest long-distance migrant in the world. - All About Birds
Costa's Hummingbird -- The Hummingbird I saw the most not at feeders.
Lucifer Hummingbird -- I was lucky to see this rarity at several different spots and could reliably identify it amongst a number of hummingbirds -- purple gorget and decurved bill.
Rivoli's Hummingbird - the largest non-rare Hummingbird in the area. It generally owns the feeders and will bully other birds that try to feed in its kingdom.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird - Is the only American hummingbird species in which the males lack a brightly colored gorget (throat patch). Probably because the crown is so dramatic (in the right light).
And some lovely backlight shots for the Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
We only have one kind here in Rhode Island -- and I miss this lovely coterie of birds!
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