Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2016-29
| Common name: |
Ruby-throated Hummingbird |
| Scientific name: | archilochus colubris |
| Date: | 09/6/16 |
| Time: | 5:30 PM |
| Length of time observed: | A total of 20 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Female type possible juvenile |
| Sex: | Female type, possible juvenile |
| Location: | Back yard in Roosevelt, Ut. |
| County: | Duchesne |
| Latilong: | ? |
| Elevation: | 5,100 ft |
| Distance to bird: | 50 yards |
| Optical equipment: | 25X Bushnell Spotting Scope |
| Weather: | Cear |
| Light Conditions: | sun was setting, but good light |
| Description: Size of bird: | a few inches |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | hummingbird |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | green back white underside |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | black |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
First seen sitting directly opposite from a female black-chinned hummingbird.
First noticed the more green back and dark auricular patch. When the bird came
back I noticed the white throat and breast and what looked like a whitish collar
that stopped at the back of the neck. The bird has a short primary projection
and shorter bill than a black-chinned. (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none |
| Behavior: | sitting and drinking from a feeder. Chasing away a female black-chinned hummingbird |
| Habitat: | Backyard with a hummingbird feeder |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Female black-chinned. Black-chinned has a longer bill, longer primary
projection, uniform gray underside including the side of the face. The bird I saw has a shorter bill, shorter primary projection, more white on the throat and breast with a greater contrast on the face with the dark auricular patch. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have seen a few back east. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Guide |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | David Taylor |
| Observer's address: | 2203 W 200 S, Roosevelt, Ut |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | [Brian Maxfield and Jim Taylor identified the bird from the photos but did not see the bird in person]. |
| Date prepared: | 9/9/16 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |