Bird Description

Fairly common summer visitor to dry woods such as Edwards Plateau, TX. Scarce but regular winter visitor through S and E. Often pumps its tail (more so than RTHU). ID: Very similar to RTHU. Slightly duller upperparts, dingier underparts, and longer bill. Positive ID must be based on good views of wing shape: primaries are broader and the outer edge of the wing is distinctively curved towards the tip (RTHU has gradual, even curve along outer edge of wing). Ad ?: black throat, lower part iridescent violet (other hummingbirds with violet in throat have different shaped gorgets). Tail less forked than RTHU and wing point just short of tail tip. Ageing and sexing of imms and ? as RTHU. Violet feathers molted in through winter in imm ? are diagnostic. Wing point averages closer to tail tip than in RTHU.