Non-bird Related Factors Assisting in Identification
Hummingbirds are, by nature, mountain-associated species. More hummingbird diversity will be experienced in mountainous regions of the state than in any other ecoregion type. Where these birds will be found within that region varies from species to species, however. Knowing what habitat birds are likely to be found in helps us to focus on species that are likely to be found in the region, and not on all eighteen species of hummingbird that have been recorded in Texas.
Columbine at Riverbend Nature Center attracts hummingbirds.
Season is another variable that makes hummingbird watching in Texas challenging. While some species, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird or the Black-chinned Hummingbird are possible any day of the year, they are more likely in some seasons than others. Other hummingbird species have been recorded only during specific months in certain regions.
Does this mean that if a person reported a White-eared Hummingbird in Junction in January the report is automatically discounted? No, but because this species has only been recorded in mid summer in the Edwards Plateau region, a person reporting the bird in January would want to be careful to ensure this was not a Buff-bellied Hummingbird – another dark, red-billed hummingbird that has been recorded in December in that region.
Use these non-bird characteristics carefully, allowing them to force you to answer questions about the unusual birds but not as dictating that the bird is possible or not.
