Hummingbird - Billings, Montana, USA (1 Viewer)

[janinmt]

I have had Rufous, Calliope & Broad-tailed Hummingbirds previously at my Billings, Montana feeder, but today in the rain I had one that looked like either a Black-chinned female or possibly a Ruby-throated female. I have a few poor photos but was wondering if someone more familiar with those species could tell me what they think. I was leaning toward Black-chinned due to the grayish crown.

Thanks!

Jan in MT

 

[Bird_Bill]

Hi Jan
Tough to say, but merely playing the odds...Black-chinned would be more likely

If you have any more pics, showing the bird perched, wing to tail projection might be conclusive.

Black-chinned wing tips will extend to at least the tail tip, possibly beyond the tail tip.

Ruby-throated wing tips stops short of the tail tip

 

[janinmt]

Here are some more photos of the Archilochus sp hummingbird from the next day, Sunday, August 19th. (I finally had time to crop them and to sort out the 2nd hummer that showed up that day, which I think is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. I am still somewhat confused with this one.)

 

[Bird_Bill]

Hi Jan!

See a lot of arguments for Ruby-throated
-wing to tail projection
-Gray cheek...(auriculars)
-iridescence
-proportion and straightness of the bill

 

[janinmt]

Thanks! That's what I have been thinking too.

 

[Fraulein ash]

It does look identical to the ruby throated hummers I get in my garden

 

[janinmt]

Thank you! They aren't very common in Montana.