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Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
Above and below: A presumed Allen's Hummingbird near the Tijuana River mouth in San Diego Co., California (10/7/2011).
Below: Maryland's first Allen's Hummingbird was recently banded at a private residence in Calvert Co., Maryland. This immature female's measurements fell clearly within Allen's range. Note the older green back feathers being replaced by fresh green back feathers, as well as the rufous upper tail coverts. The advanced state of primary molt also support Allen's, which breed and molt earlier than Rufous. The outermost tail feather (R5) was removed from the bird's right side for DNA testing (suggested in first image below). This sighting was not publicly announced to ensure the homeowner wasn't too disturbed. Photographed on 12/24/2008. The last sighting was on 12/29/2008.
