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DEAR JOAN: About three months ago, I rehung the hummer feeder. It took a month or so for the little folk to rediscover and buy in, but now, early morning and late afternoon, I sit in a chair, read, and watch them from a distance of about 6 feet.
Sometimes the feeder is shaded from direct sun by the house and a tall fence, so coloring is hard to discern in shadow. But when the sun strikes them directly, I get wonderful flashes on the heads of gold and brilliant red. I have seen one throat of red and a back of blue-green.
All this color does little to help me determine species. I’m guessing I am seeing at least an Anna’s. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds doesn’t readily fit what I am seeing, at least to the very amateur eye. Any suggestions?
Bob, Martinez
DEAR BOB: The best way to learn to identify birds is by doing what you’re doing — observing. You also could consider joining others on bird walks to learn from their experience.
In the Bay Area, and particularly in Contra Costa County, six hummingbird species are regular visitors to our backyard feeders — the Costa’s, Anna’s, Calliope, Allen’s, rufous and black-chinned. Knowing that the list is relatively small, you can look for traits that will identify them.
The males will be the most vividly colored, making it easier to identify the species. The females may share some characteristics, but are deliberately dim reflections of the males as too much flash would lead predators to their nests. That’s also why the female has the sole job of caring for the eggs and young, while daddy goes on to other things.
Here’s a look at all six:
The Costa’s hummer has a green back and flanks, a small black tail and wings, and patches of white below its throat and tail. Its most distinguishing feature is a vibrant purple cap and throat. The Costa’s hummingbird is more commonly seen in the winter and spring months.
Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents of the Bay Area, and most of the hummers you see are likely these little guys. The hummer has an iridescent bronze-green back, a pale grey chest and belly, and green flanks. The male has an iridescent crimson-red crown and throat, which can look dull brown in the shade.
Calliope hummers have glossy green on the back and crown with white underparts. The adult male has wine-red streaks on the throat. Calliopes are more abundant in the spring and summer months.
The Allen’s hummer has a green back and forehead, with rust-colored flanks, rump and tail, and an iridescent orange-red throat. Allen’s hummingbirds are most commonly seen in the winter and spring months.
The rufous hummer is so named because of the russet or rust color on its face, flanks and tail. The breast is white and there is a reddish-orange patch on the throat.
The black-chinned hummingbird is metallic green and the male has a black face and chin, a glossy purple throat band and a dark forked tail. They are seen in the spring and summer, but hardly ever in the winter.
