![]() ![]() Though they appear to be changing colors, this has much to do with their iridescent plumage. As they flit about, it seems as if they change colors rapidly with every move. Seasoned and new birdwatchers alike get caught up in the arresting show put on by hummingbirds. Oil spilled on cobblestone pavement with iridescence similar to a hummingbird's gorget. Because of this, different objects appear as different colors. As you learned in science class, some objects reflect light some absorb it. ![]() The varied wavelengths create a spectrum that determines what colors the human eye can see. Just as the ocean appears blue as it reflects the blue sky, the wavelengths of the sun reflect off the hummingbird's feathers. While other birds present the color associated with their species, the iridescence of the hummingbird's feathers present an array of diverse colors. Another tell-tale sign you've spotted a male Ruby is that in the dark their gorget appears darker than it is. Its name comes from the bright iridescent red throat of the male with its rich green back and crown and grayish white underparts. The Ruby is a striking green, almost appearing gold in some lighting, with the same green on its back and crown. Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Ruby-throated Hummingbird The female Costa is green with a white underside with a white eyebrow stripe that makes it easy to identify. The male Costa has an iridescent purple crown and gorget, but it's back is green. Male Costas Hummingbird Costa's Hummingbird The male's head and throat are identified by iridescent red, almost appearing pink, feathers that can appear dull brown when there is no sun. This species is typically green and gray, without any rufous marks on the body. Male Anna's Hummingbird Anna's Hummingbird The female is green with rufous washed (brown) flanks, green patches in the tail and a bit of orange on the throat. ![]() If the light hits it just right, the male Rufous appears to be the color of glowering coals, namely a bright orange backside and belly, a fiery red throat. Male Rufous Hummingbird Rufous Hummingbird The female is a bronze green color, a pale copper on her sides. The male will have a distinct eye patch and belly contrasting their green back. This species of hummingbird is a green and coppery orange. Male Allen's Hummingbird Allen's Hummingbird Each of these five species of hummingbirds have specific color differentiations that help make identifying them easier. These include the Allen's hummingbird, rufous hummingbird, Anna's hummingbird, Costa's hummingbird and the ruby-throated hummingbird. In North America, birdwatchers can hope to spot five species of hummingbird. This feature is creates a striking iridescence on the male hummingbird. The gorget is the patch of feathers found on the throat and upper breast of the hummingbird. They give bird lovers a show of colors that can include: The colors of these dainty birds go way beyond the colors of the rainbow. While ornithologists are aware of three 356 types of hummingbirds, there are 5 species that birdwatchers in North America can expect to see. Few other species of birds dazzle with a range of colors as the hummingbird does. It's all too easy to get caught up watching the array of colors flashing in the sunlight as they buzz about a feeder. Any birdwatcher with a hummingbird feeder in their yard has been stopped in their tracks by these colorful tiny jewels of a bird. ![]()
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