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Hybrid Hummingbird, Gilbert Water Ranch

Hybrid Hummingbird, Gilbert, Pete Moulton 1


Hybrid Hummingbird, Gilbert, Pete Moulton 2


November 2005 photos by Pete Moulton

Note: these images have been presented at larger size than others on this site to allow possible hybrid traits to be discussed by identification experts.



Hybrid Hummingbird, Gilbert, Marceline VandeWater


Hybrid Hummingbird, Gilbert, Marceline VandeWater


Hybrid Hummingbird, Gilbert, Marceline VandeWater


Hybrid Hummingbird, Gilbert, Marceline VandeWater


November 2005 photos by Marceline VandeWater


"One of the coolest birds all day was an obvious hybrid male COSTA'S X ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD near the SW side of the main lake, where there is a Burrowing Owl sign and a smaller interpretive sign with a note about the relative size of Uranus. Behind this sign is a small lilac-flowered Wolfberry covered in flowers. The bird's gorget is basically colored and shaped like a Costa's but the bird is darker, larger, and chunkier (especially bigger-headed) and has a scold call note that's most like Anna's (just a little squeakier). The tail went well beyond the wing tips and the sides of the neck above the gorget flare was dingy gray."
- Rich Hoyer, November 21, 2005


Costa traits: From the back side it definitely looks way more like a Costa's. Photo 42 and 43: it has the larger light patch above the shoulder as pictured in the Sibley, but more grayer (instead of white). Also the white eyebrow is there, but more gray in color.

Anna traits: from behind and from the side it looks like a Costa's, gorget shape with the long feathers and color. But more from the front, the color shines more magenta. Still with a purplish hue though. The tummy and breast are definitely grayish, with not as much contrast between gorget and breast as you would suspect from a Costa's. The tail seems to be a little longer than the wing projection, which is more Anna's like. Also it is a pretty chunky hummer, size wise more Anna's, with a heavier head.
- Marceline VandeWater

©2005
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