Like many birders we were intrigued by the recent report of a
Black-chinned Hummingbird in Scarborough, Toronto. It hasn't been
seen again. Ross Lamb kindly sent us photos, which we sent to
hummingbird expert Nancy Newfield of Metairie, Louisiana. Nancy has
studied and banded both Ruby-throated and Black-chinned Hummingbirds
for the last 30 years, in every month of the year and in every
plumage. She said "Without any uncertainty, I can say that this is an
adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird. If the subject were a
Black-chinned Hummingbird, the bill would be longer (1.5 times the
length of the head at the point of attachment) and heavier, possibly
slightly decurved. The back would be a darker, dingier green as well.
The clincher is the shape of the tip of primary 10, which tapers
nicely. The tip of primary 10 on a Black-chinned is wide and hooks
inward, rather like a hockey stick. The Black-chinned wing is also
longer than the Ruby-throated wing, reaching near the tip of the tail."
The reflective red throat of adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
often appears black. In certain individuals the ruby throat is rarely
or often not apparent. We've watched some male Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds for extended periods and never saw the iridescent ruby
throat flash. It always looked black. The field guides don't stress
this ID pitfall enough.
Ron Pittaway and Jean Iron
Toronto ON
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