Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina), Male and Female, Feeders at Madera Kubo, Santa Cruz County

A Berylline Hummingbird was reported by Melody Kehl in upper Madera Canyon (beyond the upper parking lot) on 7 June 2008. Steve Matherly reported one on 14 June at the Kubo. On 21 June, Laurens Halsey reported a female at Madera Kubo in the morning and later Gale Owings reported a male at the same location. Both the male and female Berylline Hummingbird were present on 22 June and were photographed by Laurens Halsey who saw them along with John Yerger and Morgan Jackson. 

The brighter green male with the buffy lower belly is in the top photo.  The female with less green on the breast and throat and with a grayish lower belly is in the lower photo.  Both photos show the rufous wing panels which are diagnostic for this species. 

Berylline Hummingbird is an casual summer visitor to the mountains of Southeastern Arizona and recently has occurred with regularity only in Ramsey Canyon.

Berrylline Hummingbird is an ABC Review Species.  Submitting photos to AZFO does not constitute reporting a rare bird for consideration as an official record. To ensure that a record becomes official, details or photos of Sketch Details Species should be sent to the Editors of North American Birds and a full report of Review Species should be submitted to the Arizona Bird Committee. Most rare birds are under-documented and subsequent observers of a rarity are always encouraged to submit reports and additional photos, especially for birds that are challenging to identify.

22 June 2008, photo by Laurens Halsey