Anna's Hummingbird
Calypte anna
Anna's Hummingbird is a year-round resident along the west coastal areas of North America. The male of the species has a red crown and throat that can appear brilliant when the light catches it at the right angle. The photograph on the left shows the male with an iridescent green back and gives a good view of the feather detail in the head and throat area when not appearing shiny. The right photograph illustrates the brilliant iridescence of the head and throat area when the light angle is right for catching it (and note that in this case the green back looks dull). The color of this iridescence can vary with the angle of light, sometimes appearing a deeper red, or more coppery. The left photograph was taken at Point Pinole Regional Park on March 1, 2017. The right photograph was taken at the Point Isabel Regional Shoreline in Richmond, CA on January 19, 2019. (Click on images to see enlarged versions.)