Even though the Ruby-throated Hummingbird carries the description of its most distinguishing quality right in its own name, there are certain moments when one sees a male of the species, either in life or in a photograph, and stops transfixed, thinking “What an absolutely perfect name it is by which we call this little flying gem!”
Such an image was recently shared with us in the BirdCam Photo Gallery by Sue from Dracut, Massachusetts. Captured in flight and positioned perfectly to allow the light full play across his iridescent gorget, he displays a shade of red on his throat that is so warm, so glowing and translucent that comparison to no other object than a ruby can suffice to describe it.
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