Territorial Display

Title

Territorial Display

Artist

Joy McAdams

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

In an effort to make itself appear as large as possible, a female/immature rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) spreads the feathers on it's chest and tail as far as possible in a territorial display. There are several reasons why a hummingbird may choose to defend territory; usually to protect a nesting or feeding site. In this instance, I suspect it was a prized location in which to watch a nearby nest.

The Rufous hummingbird is is a small bird, about 8 cm (3.1 in) long with a long, straight and slender bill. They are known for their extraordinary flight skills, flying 2,000 mi (3,200 km) during their migratory transits.


The adult male has a white breast, rufous face, flanks and tail and an iridescent orange-red throat patch or gorget. Some males have some green on back and/or crown. The female has green, white, some iridescent orange feathers in the center of the throat, and a dark tail with white tips and rufous base.

The female is slightly larger than the male. Females and the rare green-backed males are extremely difficult to differentiate from Allen's hummingbird. I believe the hummingbird in this image to be a female Rufous. If you have knowledge that indicates otherwise, your input is valued.

They feed on nectar from flowers using a long extendable tongue or catch insects on the wing. These birds require frequent feeding while active during the day and become torpid at night to conserve energy. Because of their small size, they are vulnerable to insect-eating birds and animals.

Their primary breeding habitats are open areas, mountainsides and forest edges in western North America from southern Alaska through British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest to California, nesting further north (Alaska) than any other hummingbird. The female builds a nest in a protected location in a shrub or conifer. Males are promiscuous, mating with several females.

This image has placed in the following FAA contest:

2nd Place- ‘Photography Only- Hummingbird Moth or Hummingbird Only’ contest- Oct. 2023

Uploaded

November 7th, 2019

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Viewed 417 Times  -  Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/10/2024 at 10:15 PM

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