Northern California Hummingbird (1 Viewer)

[sirijay]

I photographed this bird today - same bird, different perspectives - this morning in Berkeley, California.
Wondering whether its a Rufous or Allen's? According to Sibley, it is almost impossible to distinguish between the two without measuring tail feathers - not sure what to make of that ! Greatly appreciate your help with ID - if possible.

 

[rkj]

A very small percentage of Rufous Hummingbirds have a green back like this bird. All adult males Allen's have one. It is impossible to be absolutely certain, but this bird is in the normal breeding range of Allen's and the chances that it is a Rufous are extremely small.