Subject: Re: TWEETERS digest 219
Date: Feb 23 20:04:16 1995
From: Skip_Russell at intersolv.com - Skip_Russell at intersolv.com


Subject: Re: re:Rufous and Allen's Hummingbirds

>Actually, Rufous is a very rare breeder in California, I understand, with
.....
>Does its breeding range overlap that of Allen's?

I've watched hummers in SW OR in the Spring on many occasions and this
is something I have often wondered myself. FWIW there are times even
late in the spring that one can count on seeing individuals of both
species side by side, just about anywhere in coastal Curry County north
of Brookings. For example, both species put on a great show at
Lighthouse Park in Port Orford, though Allen's seem harder to find there
after about the end of April. Field ID is easy on the basis of the
display flights of males. More than once I've seen a Rufous and an
Allen's displaying for different females in the same bush!

I've been told by a woman in Gold Beach (central Curry Co) that both
species are present at her feeders all summer. It doesn't prove
sympatry of course (? about ID, dispersal, etc.), but it does lend some
evidence.

Skip

--
Skip_Russell at intersolv.com Voice: 503-690-4214
Beaverton, Oregon FAX: 503-629-9637