Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina), Madera Canyon Bog Springs, Santa Cruz County

This Berylline Hummingbird was first found by Kreg Ellzey on 25 June 2008 at Bog Springs in Madera Canyon.  It was photographed by Laurens Halsey on 19 August 2008.  Berylline Hummingbird has staged sort of a mini-invasion this year with multiple birds in Madera Canyon and additional sightings in the Huachucas and Chiricahuas.  Formerly a casual visitor to these mountains, it has nested in the past and has become more regular in recent years. 

Note the red bill, rufous tail with darker central rectrices, rufous wings (blurry).  The extent of the green on underparts and lack of whitish chin indicate a male.  The white speckling on the breast and throat are probably an artifact due to looking up the feathers.

Berylline does hybridize occasionally with other hummingbirds, so all Beryllines should be identified with care.

19 August 2008, photo by Laurens Halsey

All photos are copyrighted© by the photographer