Selasphorus species

A daily visitor to the vegetation surrounding the volunteer house is this tiny orange and green hummingbird with brilliant golden-red throat (or gorget). As a die-hard lister (of birds), I don't know that I will ever be able to declare what this species is. For within the Selasphorus genus there are two North American hummingbirds, Rufous and Allen's, that are all but interchangeable in virtually all cases. Differences are found in relative feather size at certain ages, as well as other equally elusive defining traits. Coloring, voice, and behavior-wise, they are indistinguishable. One other aspect that helps to differentiate the two is of course range--Allen's is pretty much only found close to the west coast of California, while the range of the Rufous is much, much larger--but this does me little good where I am currently living. In any case: a beautiful bird!! Look at him! As per usual this shot came about as the result of pure luck, given that he decided to buzz off just as I depressed the shutter. How obliging, this one.