Levels of Ruby

Only the male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has the distinctive ruby throat. On occasion, I have been confused by a male that is holding back displaying his iridescent red feathers – thinking the bird was a female. Depending upon the light and the way the bird holds the feathers on his neck, the ruby color can be brilliant beyond belief or pretty darn drab.

Here are a few examples of that phenomenon.

Here is a second male Hummer that likes to perch on the garden fence.