Western Bird Guide: Birds of the Rockies and West to the Pacific

by Charles K. Reed

427. Cyanolæmus clemenciae. 5 inches.

This bird is a trifle larger than the preceding, and, as the name implies, it has an iridescent bright blue throat, with a streak of white extending from the bill to back of the eye, the upper parts of a uniform greenish color, under parts are a greenish gray. Tail dark with outer tail feathers broadly tipped with white.

Nest.—Is built similar to above, but placed at lower elevations, at times very near the ground. They are to be found only in Arizona and the southern borders of the United States.

BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD.

429. Archilochus alexandri. 3½ inches.

This is similar in size and appearance to the “Ruby-Throat,” but has the chin and upper throat black, the rest of the throat being violet or amethyst, as seen in different lights. It is a very common bird in the southern part of its range. It nests low, rarely above ten feet from the ground. Nest made of plant fiber, not covered with lichens, but resembles a small piece of sponge.

COSTA HUMMINGBIRD.

430. Calypte costæ. 3 inches.

A slightly smaller bird than the last, with the crown and the lengthened feathers of the neck which form a ruff of the most brilliant violet or amethyst, back and rump of a greenish bronze color, under parts whitish with a green cast on the sides. Female lacks the brilliant colors of the male on the head and neck and shows no sign of a ruff.