Female Black-chinned HummingbirdFemale Black-chinned Hummingbird

Correction: These images show a young female Black-chinned Hummingbird. Thanks for the ID Seagull Steve and Rusty Trump!

A few days ago I posted images of what I thought were Calliope Hummingbirds and wondered if I saw seeing more than one species feeding on the Rocky Mountain Bee Plants. After looking at these images that I took last Friday I am wondering if this hummingbird that I photographed is a female Broad-tailed Hummingbird. The tail on this bird does seem longer than the other hummingbird images I posted.

Hovering over Rocky Mountain Bee PlantHovering over Rocky Mountain Bee Plant

I might be wrong about the ID because I have learned that it is a challenge to ID female and juvenile hummingbirds where several species are seen during migration. All of these images are of the same bird which was nice enough to hover close to me so I could take multiple images of it with the wings in different positions.

Flying jewel - Female Black-chinned HummingbirdFlying jewel – Female Black-chinned Hummingbird

This might be an immature female Broad-tailed Hummingbird because an adult female appears to have a more spotted throat and buffier flanks though I might be could be wrong. The tail does come more to a point than I would think a Calliope’s tail would.

Feeding on the nectar of the Bee PlantFeeding on the nectar of the Bee Plant

Regardless of the ID I am thrilled that this hummingbird fed on the Rocky Mountain Bee Plant that was not too far away or too close. Hummingbirds are very feisty despite their diminutive size and they kept chasing each other the whole time we photographed them.

Of course, I would appreciate any help with the ID of this hummingbird!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Black-chinned Hummingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.