Documentation of
Calliope Hummingbird
2010-188
Observer Information
Reporter:
Brandon Grebence
Other Observers:
my wife, Beatrice Grebence; Yes, my wife and I.
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Calliope Hummingbird
First Date/Time:
7/22/2010
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
almost 2 hours
County:
Pueblo
Specific Location:
backward feeder, 3733 Bison Lane
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Male
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
short-grass prairie/suburban backyard. Our backyard has a diversity of vegetation unlike the majority of our neighbors.
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Nikon Travelite III 8x30?
Distance:
3 meters
Light:
clear and sunny
Description of the Bird
The bird was observed on the feeder just outside our kitchen window. The binoculars were 3 meters from the bird as it perched at the feeder. The bird was observed seven times, by both my wife and myself, to make a positive identification.
The streaked rosy gorget (Sibley) was diagnostic.
Behaviors: The species most commonly frequenting the feeder are black-chinned females and an occasional rufous female. This calliope male interacted with black chinned females by flying from the feeder to perch on the adjacent clothesline in proximity to a perched black-chinned. This allowed a definitive size comparison between the two species.
Call: none
Plumage: breeding?
Similar Species Discussion
The size comparison, coupled with the green crown and the streaked rosy gorget, clearly separated it from a female black-chinned.
Resources Used
The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America (pg. 261). The guide was used as we observed the bird.
Previous Experience
My wife and I have been birders since 1975, had a backyard feeder for 3 years, and have enjoyed the close viewing of the hummers each summer.
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Additional Information
Materials Available
No files uploaded.
Date Documentation Submitted
7/24/2010 12:58:00 AM