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Figure 1. The distinct pale edging to the feathers on the crown, nape, and upper back all point to HY age, as does the 90% bill corrugations. The head shape and coloration is more reminiscent of Black-chinned than Calliope. This bird measured intermediate between Calliope and Black-chinned in most regards, but tended towards Calliope in certain parameters (bill and tail length). | |
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Figure 2. The buffy rachis (basal portion) on the outer retrices is present here. This features has been seen in previous years on otherwise normal-appearing Black-chinneds, but the influence of genetics (hybridization) has not been addressed previously, because such distinct other "hybrid features" (spatulate r1, etc.) were not noted at that time. The back coloration as shown here is fairly consistent for Black-chinned. | |
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Figure 3. The spatulate shape of r1 is consistent with Calliope, as are the slight rusty line on the basal edges of the outer retrices (most visible in lower feathers in this photo). Rust was even present on r2 (from notes). The tail was shorter than any HY Black-chinned (of any sex) measured this year (n=219). | |
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Figure 4. The buffy flanks and green spangled throat are more consistent with Calliope than Black-chinned, though variation in throat pattern does exist in both species. This extensive buffiness on the flanks and undertail (Figure 5) is rarely seen in Black-chinned. | |
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Figure 5. The undertail coverts were "warm" colored, not as expected in the pure species. | |
If you have information that supports or refutes the information posted above, I'm very interested in hearing what you have to say. Please write your thoughts to: SJPeterson@aol.com
Helpful Literature
Baldridge, F.A. 1983. Plumage characteristics of juvenile
Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Condor 85:102-103.
Baltosser, W.H. 1994.
Age and sex determination in the Calliope Hummingbird. Western Birds
25:104-109.
Grayes, G.R. 1990. Systematics of the "Green-throated Sunangels"
(Aves: Trochilidae): Valid taxa or hybrids? Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash.
103:6-25.
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