Sorry, disregard my previous comment... The hummer shown is correctly identified as a Sparkling Violetear. The buff color that shows on the throat of this hummer likely is due to pollen or some other powdery substance. This faux-fieldmark sure had me fooled at first!
Dan
30-Jan-2012 18:40
Great photo! But this hummer does not look like a Sparkling Violetear. Check out plate #44, illustration #17 in Ridgely's Field Guide to the Birds of Ecuador - it looks like the rare Rufous-throated Sapphire (male). But the dark color and shape of bill indicates it might be a pic of a male Buff-throated Sapphire (see picture in 44(2)- which is considered of "accidental" occurrence in Ecuador by Ridgely. Where exactly did you photograph this hummer?
