December 2008 - Anna's Hummingbird |
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| Calypte anna |
The tiny Anna's Hummingbird is a permanent resident of the west coast of North America, up to south-western British Columbia. Like other hummingbirds, they enjoy nectar from flowers but they are also great consumers of flies and spiders.
The male (above) has a metallic rose-red crown and throat that dazzles in certain light. Females (below) have only a touch of red on the throat and green heads. |
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| It was named after a 19th century Italian duchess whose husband, a collector of natural history, had a speciman in his collection. |
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