English and Scientific names:

Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)

 

Number of individuals: 

2 HY-males

One individual has a heavily stippled gorget with two central gorget feathers which appear greenish gold.  Back is green blanketed with molt.

Second Allen's has a very heavily stippled gorget and no apparent gorget feathers.  He is more rufous on the flanks.

 

Locality: LOUISIANA: 

Lafourche Parish

 

Specific Locality:

Pamela Place, Thibodaux, LA  70301

 

Date(s) when observed:

One of the birds (No. 1 described above) was first observed on November 19, 2003.  Second bird was not detected until December 2, 2003.

 

Time(s) of day when observed:  

Presently being observed on a daily basis, most easily observed in the early morning, between 7 AM and 9 AM.

 

 

Reporting observer and address:

 

             Mary Elizabeth (Beth) H. Maniscalco

             Thibodaux, LA 70301

 

Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s):

Both Allen's were banded by Nancy Newfield on December 2, 2003.

 

Light conditions:

Birds have been observed in all light conditions.

 

 

Optical equipment: 

Bausch & Lomb Custom, 8 x 36, good

 

 

Distance to bird(s): 

15 ft on average

 

Duration of observation:

several minutes at a time

 

Habitat: 

Yard is densely planted with hummingbird attracting flowers and plants.  Birds are using feeders and occasionally plants.  They have both been observed "bugging."         

Behavior of bird: 

Both birds are using feeders and have staked out territories, that along with the fact that they are color-marked has made them very easy to observe.  They are still present in the yard as of January 5, 2004.

 

Description: 

    Both Allen's would have been identified as Rufous/Allen's until and unless they were captured since positive identification is only possible in hand. 

 

Voice:

Allen's No. 1 is very vocal and his chip and call notes are similar to a Rufous call/chip but not as harsh, more sweet and melodic as opposed to harsh and clipped for the Rufous present in the yard.

 

 

Similar species:

Rufous hummers present in the yard, with the exception of the two adult males and the adult female, look very similar to the Allen's.

As stated above, these birds were identified by bander, Nancy Newfield.

 

Previous experience: 

Allen's hummingbirds have wintered in our yard twice previously.  This is the second time we have had two.

 

Notes made during observation? 

yes

 

Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: 

 

Yes.

 

Reporter: 

Beth Maniscalco

 

 

Date and time: 

1/05/2004

 

Permission to display report and accompanying documentation?  

yes