Birds of Paradise

by Jennie Breeze

Title

Birds of Paradise

Artist

Jennie Breeze

Medium

Photograph - Original Img_3451

Description

Rufous perched on a new bird of paradise. Monotypic. Length 3.2–3.7"; bill 15–19 mm. Females are larger than males. Although it is one of the smaller members in the family of Selasphorus rufus , this species is notably pugnacious. Note that all except (most) adult male Rufous are rarely separable in the field from Allen’s Hummingbird, so many observations are best termed “rufous/Allen’s.” The male Rufous, glowing like new copper penny, often defends a patch of flowers in a mountain meadow, vigorously chasing away all intruders (including larger birds). The Rufous also nests farther north than any other hummingbird: up to south-central Alaska. Of the various typically western hummingbirds, this is the one that wanders most often to eastern North America, with many now found east of the Mississippi every fall and winter. At flowers, usually feeds while hovering, extending its bill and long tongue deep into the center of the flower. At feeders, may either hover or perch. To catch small insects, may fly out and capture them in midair, or hover to pluck them from foliage. Also sometimes will take spiders or trapped insects from spider webs. Still widespread and very common, but surveys show continuing declines in numbers during recent decades. Because it relies on finding the right conditions in so many different habitats at just the right seasons during the year, it could be especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Uploaded

February 2nd, 2020

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