Ever wonder why a hummingbird looks different colors at different angles, as can be seen very clearly with these recent pics I took of one of the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds frequenting my feeders?
Here’s what Cornells’ Bird Academy says “The iridescent colors of the gorget are the result of the refraction of incident light caused by the microscopic structure of the feather barbules. The refraction works like a prism, splitting the light into rich, component colors. As the viewing angle changes, the refracted light becomes visible in a glowing, shimmering iridescent display. ” Now we know! I thought it might be two birds, but it wasn’t!
Bird of the Week: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird will provide more information about this favorite bird. Also, remember some hummingbirds spend the winter on Seabrook Island so don’t take your feeders down just yet.
Submitted by: Jennifer Jerome
“Did you know” is an on-going series of blogs that answer possibly more technical questions people have about birds or their environments. If you have an idea or question, submit it via the “Ask SIB” link on the SeabrookIslandBirders.org web site or send an email to SeabrookIslandBirders@Gmail.com.