On a chilly day for most of the USA, here are two jewels in the sunshine for your pleasure.
A Costa's Hummingbird gathers nectar from the last of the remaining Sonoran Desert flowers.
His radiance isn't a reflection of the flowers he's visiting. Purple iridescence is only visible when sunlight hits at a perfect angle. As he visits each flower his head intermittently lights up.
Purple 'gorgets' (gor-jets) are his trademark. He uses them to attract females.
For a Costa's male it's the equivalent of a long mustache.
(Click any picture to enlarge.)
The slightly larger Anna's Hummingbird also lives in this desert.
The two species don't get along, as is typical with rivals. They are in a constant battle for territory and resources.
What we perceive as elegance in these birds is more likely aggression.
It matters little to me.
I prefer to enjoy only their brilliance on a chilly day.
Allan
Credits: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All About Birds
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