FIRST IDAHO STATE RECORD ¹
(Pending Acceptance by Idaho Bird Records Committee)

COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD -- Calypte costae

Fall / winter 2004
Meridian, Ada County

Photographic Comparisons of Molt Over Time

Submitted by: Stacy Jon Peterson
4442 Sijan St. Apt. A
Mtn Home AFB, ID 83648
Stacy@trochilids.com
Federal master banding permit #23148

Extended tongueDetails surrounding the initial sighting of this bird are found here. The purpose of this particular page is to compare molt progression over time. The bird was initially captured and identified on 8 November 2004. It was recaptured and photographed on 5 December 2004, and lastly on 25 January 2005. At the time of the last capture, the homeowner reported that the bird had been behaving strangely, flying around differently, and acting restless. We expected him to depart soon, and he did -- last observed 26 January 2005. Also, at the time of this last capture, we noticed that his tongue was not retracting fully (photo at right) -- something that the homeowner had observed a couple weeks earlier. The bird appeared healthy, nonetheless. We have no idea what may have caused this situation and would appreciate insights from those who may know...

The photos below compare head molt progression during each of these capture events. No molt of the primaries or remiges were noted (they were already adult plumaged). It appears that not much changed between 8 November and 5 December, but an explosion of gorget molt was observed by 25 January!

PHOTOS (all © 2004, 2005 Stacy Jon Peterson)

8 November 2004
Video captures from Canon Elura 60 DV camera.
5 December 2004
Photos taken with Nikon Coolpix 4500 camera
25 January 2005
Photos taken with Nikon Coolpix 4500 camera
Side of throat, Costa's Hummingbird Costa's head

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