How can anyone be expected to know the details of a bird that’s only 3.75″ long?! I’m struggling to identify the plummage of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird that’s been visiting every morning. It seems to be a juvenile — an adult male would have the signature red throat; an adult female would have white tips on the end of the tail. 
I don’t get to see many hummingbirds so I’m at a loss whether this bird is a young male or female. What do you think?
Whatever he/she turns out to be, it’s a very welcome guest. I’ve been sitting out front while I journal in the mornings and I’ve enjoyed watching this little bird at the feeder while the larger birds are having breakfast in the backyard. Even though I have a lot of trumpet vine, my yard just doesn’t attract hummingbirds until August. I think that’s when the juveniles are being forced to find their own territory as the hummingbirds significantly increase their nectar consumption in preparation for migration. So, for about three weeks every year, I’m privileged to have one visit my yard.
It’s been hot, with temperatures nearing 100 and birding has been slow. I have the misters and drippers going in the backyard and the regular backyard birds enjoy flying through the mist and splashing in the birdbath (have you ever seen a starling that didn’t play in water?!) on these hot days. A robin was in the yard this morning; don’t know where he’s been but definitely not around here lately. And several newly fledged Mourning and Eurasian Collared Doves were feeding beneath BirdCam#1 today.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Pat
I guess I showed too much entusiasm at the Purple Martin roost – the bird world has rewarded me with a roost of my own. We don’t know if it’s Starlings or Grackles but they come in at around 8 and leave around 6:30 – the yard is full of poop and feathers. I have never had this happen before. Are either of these birds migrating?
ty so much for the blurb about hummers. really made me humm! i noticed this year they came to my feeders later than usual, mid to late july rather than april-but they’re here until migrating—just around the corner. i agree with the comment made, all young hummers look alike.
i believe this is a picture of a female. the juvenile male {new born} has a few red streaks under its throat. im trying to find out at what point that the juvenile develops the bright red throat….