This small colorful hummingbird shows the broad base to the striking red bill which gives this bird its name. The species ranges from the arid southwestern United States (vagrant elsewhere) into Mexico. It is further divided into three subspecies groups. This individual represents the northern group confined to the US and northern Mexico. Another group, sometimes split as Doubleday's Hummingbird is found in southwestern Mexico. It has more blue on the crown and belly. Another race, sometimes split as Lawrence's Hummingbird, is confined to the Tres Marias Islands off western Mexico. It has a green throat. Birds in the northern part of their range, such as this are migratory. Elsewhere the species is resident.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)