Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer), Paton's Yard, Patagonia, Santa Cruz County

This Lucifer Hummingbird was first reported by Michael Marsden and Donna Knox on 21 October 2010 and photographed by Alan Schmierer the same day. 

Lucifer Hummingbird is a casual summer visitor in Arizona away from mid-elevation canyons on the eastern flank of the Huachuca Mountains where it regularly breeds.  It is normally present from late March to late October.

Decurved bill and dark, isolated auriculars surrounded by buffy eyeline.  Short wings and long tail.  Perhaps an immature female due to poorly defined face pattern. The flash dulled the buff tones of the face somewhat, but it was rather pale in real life also.

21 October 2010, photo by Alan Schmierer

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer