"Strange Hummer" Identified
 

 

" I have no doubt as to the species. This rather golden/brassy looking bird is a Ruby-throated.

While the plumage color is not all that common, I do capture and band many immature birds in this color each summer. They are striking and certainly can give you quite a start when they first appear.

Like all hummers, they will vocalize a lot and that alone should be enough for most birders to sort them out as to species.

With great confidence, I am certain that the bird is an oddly plumaged. Ruby-throated; this is based on size, body shape (archilochus), wing/tail ratio, shape of the outside primaries and my prior experience with this species.

Thanks for sharing this with me. This bird is a migrant and is likely to depart in fairly short order."

Bob Sargent
The Hummer/Bird Study Group, Inc.

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