Broad-tailed Hummingbird






An adult female Broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Camera: Canon 1D MkIII
Exposure: 1/1250
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 280mm
ISO: 800






Update 08-27-08: There has been some discussion with Robert and Ann about just what this bird is. They believe it might be a Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) given the red on the body and wings and they are certainly correct. However, the spots on the chin and the absolutely huge tail were what was confusing me, though there is a central spot on the chin that resembles a rufous hummingbird as well. I was rather confused until reading The Sibley Guide to Birds enlightened me as to the possibility of hybridization which is apparently common among these species.

Posted: Mon - August 18, 2008 at 10:38 AM          

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